Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal Triumph in Paris Olympic 2024 Doubles Debut
Rafael Nadal and carlos Alcaraz, the powerful Spanish duo, proved their mettle in a spectacular performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
They defeated Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni of Argentina in straight sets, 7-6 (4), 6-4, to book their place in the second round.
“Nadalcaraz” or “Rafaraz”? In their victorious Olympic debut on Saturday, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal’s doubles team might well be described as “too good.”
The Spaniards advanced to the second round of the 2024 Paris Games by easily eliminating Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in straight sets on Saturday.
The 38-year-old Nadal was honored the night before at the Opening Ceremony on the Seine River, alongside a host of legendary figures from French sports. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has won 14 of his major championships at Roland Garros, the site of this year’s Olympic tennis tournament.
In typical fashion, he went back to winning in Paris, teaming up with 21-year-old Alcaraz to triumph 7-6 (4), 6-4.
“We performed well on the field. It’s been a really difficult start up against a fantastic team. In a news conference following the match, Rafael Nadal said, “They are so good, and they are used to playing together.”
The crowd was incredible, the evening was intense and emotional, and playing on this court with Carlos has been very unique. Simply ecstatic about the win and for giving us the opportunity to continue.
Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal won a tough first set in a tiebreaker while playing under the covered Chatrier roof. Nadal, who is more seasoned, took over as Alcaraz’s nerves threatened to get the better of him. The Spanish pair rebounded to win six of the following seven games and secure the victory after falling behind 0-3 in the second set. “Rafa, Rafa!” was yelled during this time.
Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s Pursuit of Paris Olympic 2024 Gold: A Final Quest
The Netherlands’ Wesley Koolhof and Tallon Griekspoor or Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan and Marton Fucsovics are vying for the title, and the Spaniards are waiting.
In 2008, Nadal won the gold medal in the men’s singles competition in Beijing. In 2016, he and Marc Lopez won the gold in the men’s doubles competition in Rio de Janeiro.
World No. 3 Alcaraz is making his Olympic debut. Earlier in the day, he triumphed in his first-round singles encounter. Though he had recently won big at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, he remarked that playing doubles with Nadal was “a dream come true” when he arrived in Paris.
“To be honest, it was a dream come true. Alcaraz told the media after the game, “I dreamed about playing my Olympic Games, my debut in the Olympic Games, but playing with Rafa it was even more special.”
“I’m quite pleased with the level we performed and grateful that we have another round to play. We’re at a stage where we should be able to continue, in my opinion.
