Special Spaniards: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz seal superb Olympic Games win over sixth seeds in 'Nadalcaraz' debut

Saturday, 27 July 2024 at 20:58

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz had a difficult task in their official debut as a doubles pair. In the first round of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, they were playing the Argentines Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, number 6 seeds and clear favorites for the medals. But they did not mind at all and defeated them in two sets, with a score of 7-6(4) and 6-4.

First set

The match started with a visibly nervous Carlos Alcaraz, giving up his first service game in favor of the Argentines. But an experienced Nadal led from the front to return the break instantly. Halfway through the set, the roles were exchanged and Alcaraz began to raise the level considerably. The match was very close and, as a result, they went to the tie-break.

Everything started the same in the tiebreak, a very even duel until the change of ends. They went 3-3 but from that moment on the Spaniards pressed and took three set points in favor. The Argentines were able to save the first but could not with the second, and Nadal and Alcaraz closed the tie-break by 7-4 to take the first set.

Second set

With the drop in tension and concentration of the Spaniards, Gonzalez and Molteni took advantage of it to start like a steamroller and take a 3-0 lead. The change of side seemed to recharge the batteries of Nadal and Alcaraz, who won the next three games in white in a row and squeezed the South Americans, even having options to get 4-3 and serve.

But the Argentines held well, although they could not put Alcaraz in trouble with their serve. The Spaniards did not let the opportunity pass and broke their rivals' serve at the best moment. They put 5-4 on the scoreboard and lost the match with Rafa Nadal's serve.

In the second round they will face the winning pair between the Dutch Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof and the Hungarians Marton Fucsovics and Fabian Marozsan. Interestingly, Griekspoor could be Alcaraz's opponent in singles and Fuscovics will be Nadal's first opponent.

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Nadal & Alcaraz walk out to play their 1st doubles match at the Olympics One of the greatest sportsmen in history. Playing with a man who’s on the path of becoming an all-time great himself. Carlos went from idolizing Rafa all his life to playing doubles with him for their

5:06 PM · Jul 27, 2024

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

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