Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz Shine in Their Debut Doubles Match at Paris 2024 Olympics

In a memorable debut, the unseeded Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz of Spain showcased their chemistry at the Paris 2024 Olympics, triumphing in their first-ever doubles match together. The Spanish duo overcame Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni with a score of 7-6 (7:4), 6-4 in a thrilling match at Roland Garros on Saturday, July 27.

Initially, Nadal and Alcaraz appeared to struggle as they adjusted to playing together, but they soon found their rhythm and outmaneuvered their more experienced opponents. The match was a special moment for tennis fans, as the iconic clay court venue celebrated both its legendary figure, Nadal, and his promising successor, Alcaraz. The ‘Nadalcaraz’ partnership displayed impressive synergy between the two generations of Spanish tennis.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King received a standing ovation as she took center court to perform the “Les trois coups” ritual, striking a baton on the ground three times to mark the beginning of the match. The crowd’s excitement was palpable as Nadal and Alcaraz appeared in their familiar Spanish red shirts, creating an electric atmosphere.

“We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but this moment is unforgettable,” a thrilled Alcaraz said after the match.

While Nadal and Alcaraz, with a combined total of 26 Grand Slam singles titles, were formidable on paper, they were newcomers to doubles compared to the seasoned sixth-seeded Gonzalez and Molteni. The Argentine duo, having won the toss and chosen to receive first, initially took a 1-0 lead. However, Nadal and Alcaraz quickly regained their footing, breaking back to level the score.

The first set was a grueling battle, with the Spaniards playing as if they had been partners for years. Their frequent fist pumps and high-fives highlighted their growing confidence. The atmosphere was so vibrant that the umpire had to repeatedly call for silence as the crowd was thoroughly engrossed.

A brilliant return from Nadal down the line past Molteni secured the first set for Spain, 7-4 in the tie-break. In the second set, Argentina came out strong, establishing a 3-0 lead. However, Nadal and Alcaraz rallied to even the score at 3-3, with Alcaraz’s enthusiastic “vamos” signaling the momentum shift. Despite a close call, Spain managed to break through and secure the victory with Nadal delivering a decisive serve.

Earlier in the Games, Alcaraz marked his Olympic debut with a convincing win over Hady Habib (6-3, 6-1), while Nadal is set to face Marton Fucsovics in the singles first round on Sunday.

Paris 2024 serves as a poignant farewell for Nadal at Roland Garros, the site of 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles. As Nadal’s illustrious career draws to a close, the 21-year-old Alcaraz, who recently won his first French Open title, is emerging as a future star.

Nadal received a hero’s welcome in Paris the night before, accepting the Olympic flame from French football legend Zinedine Zidane at the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony. He later joined Serena Williams, nine-time Olympic gold medallist Carl Lewis, and five-time gymnastics gold medallist Nadia Comaneci for a boat ride on the Seine. Despite the fervor surrounding them, the Argentine duo fought hard, pushing the first set to a tiebreaker before ultimately falling to the Spanish pair.

From: Zeubla.com