Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

A pair of leading Spanish WTA players are both keen to sink their claws into Rafael Nadal, with the French Open king suddenly much in demand for a doubles pairing at the Summer Rio Olympics. Both world No. 3 young gun Garbine Muguruza and experienced clay ace Carla Suarez Navarro have indicated they are angling to get their celebrated countryman onside for the August Games.

It’s Muguruza who looks to have the best chance after reaching the Wimbledon final in 2015, winning a title in China and reaching the semi-finals of the year-end event in Singapore. “In tennis everything is so fast. Two years ago I was hardly in the top 100. In so short a time, I’m here (top five). But it happens so many times. People, suddenly you see them on top, you don’t see them, then you see them again. I think sports is like this. You have to try to be more consistent.”

The 22-year-old has a rival though in Suarez Navarro, who has joined in what could be an Iberian catfight perhaps inspired by Roger Federer’s decision to team with Martina Hingis in Brazil in the mixed event. Nadal won singles gold in 2008 in Beijing, the same year that Federer and Stan Wawrinka lifted top honors in the men’s doubles.

Suarez Navarro, ranked 13th, is also expected to play women’s doubles at the Games with Muguruza, which makes the mixed selection even more convoluted.

Suarez Navarro told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo it would be a dream to team with Nadal. “”Who wouldn’t want this, Imagine if it could happen at my third Olympics. It would be legendary to play alongside Rafa. Its a dream and that I would accept immediately,” said the 27-year-old.

“If there is the possibility, I don’t have to think, it is a clear ‘yes.”

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.