Rafael Nadal and
Carlos Alcaraz eliminated Argentinians Máximo González and Andrés Molteni, the No. 6 seeds, in the first round of the Paris 2024
Olympic Games. In the round of 16, they faced the Dutch pair of
Tallon Griekspoor, whom Alcaraz had eliminated in the singles second round, and Wesley Koolhof, a former world No. 1 in doubles.
With one match already under their belts, they had started to learn how to play with each other and were managing better as a team. They showed no mercy to their opponents, defeating them in two sets with a convincing 6-4, 6-7(2), and 10-2.
Nadalcaraz: Too Consistent and Solid
The first set began evenly, but the Spaniards troubled their opponents with their returns and had no difficulties holding serve. The first break came from Nadal and Alcaraz, who maintained the advantage until the end of the set, not giving the Dutch a single break point. They closed it with Carlitos’ serve, winning 6-4.
Initially, Alcaraz led the charge, but Rafa quickly caught up. Their strategy was clear: overwhelm Griekspoor at the net, where the Dutch team had more difficulties, especially since Koolhof is a doubles specialist, unlike his partner, who is primarily a singles player.
Nadal and Alcaraz Falter in the Tie-Break
The second set was much more balanced, largely because the Dutch team significantly raised their level. In the eighth game, with Koolhof and Griekspoor leading 4-3, the Spaniards faced their most challenging service game, having to save two break points, which Alcaraz managed with good serves.
In the next game, Griekspoor tensed up and committed two double faults, giving Nadal and Alcaraz two break opportunities to serve for the match. Ironically, it was with four first serves that went unanswered that the Dutch turned the score around and forced a tie-break.
The last Roland Garros champions in singles pushed hard and came close to match point, but the Dutch resisted and made the Spaniards serve to force the tie-break. In the tie-break, Koolhof reached his peak performance and almost single-handedly won it for the Netherlands 7-2.
A Perfect Super Tie-Break for Nadal and Alcaraz
In the usual doubles tie-break to 10 points, the opposite happened from the second set tie-break. The Spaniards started strong and kept up the intensity. They began with a 5-0 lead and capitalized on the drop in level and intensity from the Dutch. Without giving them a break, they closed the match with a 10-2 final set.
In the quarterfinals, Nadalcaraz will face the American pair of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, the No. 4 seeds and one of the favorites for medals and gold in Paris. Although they don't usually play together during the season, separately, they have won seven Grand Slam tournaments—six for the Denver, Colorado native (five in men's doubles and one in mixed doubles) and one for his partner from Tampa, Florida.
