Nadal and Alcaraz Shine in Olympic Doubles Debut, Defeat Argentina’s Gonzalez and Molteni

Paris, July 28, 2024 — Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz delivered a standout performance in their Olympic Games doubles debut, overcoming Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in straight sets, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, at Roland Garros on Saturday. The Spanish duo, merging the seasoned expertise of Nadal with Alcaraz’s burgeoning talent, captivated a packed Court Philippe Chatrier, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.

For Alcaraz, the opportunity to play alongside Nadal, a 14-time French Open champion, was a “dream” come true. The 21-year-old expressed his enthusiasm earlier in the day after securing a straight-sets victory over Hady Habib in his singles campaign opener. Nadal, a veteran with Olympic singles gold from 2008 and doubles gold from Rio 2016, entered the court with his right thigh heavily bandaged—a reminder of a recent injury that might impact his singles hopes, especially with a potential second-round clash against Novak Djokovic looming.

The match began with a setback for the Spanish team as Alcaraz was broken in the opening game, reflecting some rustiness due to their lack of recent doubles play; the pair had not played together since 2022. However, Nadal’s experience proved crucial as they quickly regained their footing. The first set was tightly contested, culminating in a tiebreaker where Nadal’s precise down-the-line backhand secured the set for Spain.

Nadal and Alcaraz Secure Victory in 2024 Paris Olympics Doubles Opener

The second set saw a strong start from the Argentine duo, who raced to a 3-0 lead. However, Nadal and Alcaraz mounted a comeback, showcasing their resilience and synergy. Nadal, with his sharp reflexes at the net and powerful baseline play, helped the team level the score. A key moment came when Nadal executed a decisive backhand return, securing a break and giving Spain a 5-4 lead.

Serving for the match, Nadal maintained his composure, delivering strong serves and setting up Alcaraz for the winning shot—a forehand that clinched their victory. The triumph not only marks a successful start to their Olympic campaign but also highlights the blend of Nadal’s illustrious career and Alcaraz’s promising future in tennis.

The win was celebrated by the Roland Garros crowd, who have long cherished Nadal’s achievements on these courts. The partnership between Nadal and Alcaraz brings together two generations of Spanish tennis, with Alcaraz following in the footsteps of his legendary compatriot.

Looking ahead, the Spanish pair will face tougher challenges as the tournament progresses. Nadal’s injury status remains a concern, particularly for his singles matches. However, their victory today has set a positive tone for their Olympic journey, as they aim to add another chapter to Spain’s rich tennis history.

Fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching this dynamic duo, anticipating how their collaboration will unfold in the pursuit of Olympic glory. As Nadal and Alcaraz continue their campaign, the excitement around their partnership and performance is palpable, promising more thrilling matches ahead.