NEW DELHI: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz made a winning start to their Olympic Games doubles campaign, defeating Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in straight sets, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, under the roof on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros on Saturday.
The Spanish pair, who received a standing ovation from the packed crowd, overcame a shaky start when Alcaraz was broken in the first game.
Nadal and Alcaraz’s partnership was instantly celebrated by fans, having seen both players achieve individual successes on the same court, with Nadal winning 14 French Opens and Alcaraz securing his first just last month.
Earlier in the day, Alcaraz had also impressed by beginning his singles campaign with a straight-sets victory over Hady Habib. Reflecting on the day, the 21-year-old Alcaraz said it was a “dream” to play alongside his compatriot Nadal.
Despite an early break, the greater experience of the 38-year-old Nadal was pivotal. His sharp reflexes helped to retrieve the break quickly, and the pair capitalized on three set points in the tiebreaker. A precise down-the-line backhand from Nadal secured the opener.
The Argentine pair, Gonzalez and Molteni, faced a challenging atmosphere, entering the arena to a chorus of boos due to a recent racism row between Argentina and France. However, they recovered and took a 3-0 lead in the second set, but the Spanish duo fought back to level the score.
Nadal’s performance remained crucial as he secured a key break with a strong backhand return, putting him and Alcaraz ahead 5-4 and setting them up to serve for the match. Nadal, a winner of Olympic singles gold in 2008 and doubles gold in 2016, served for the match successfully. Victory was assured when Alcaraz hit a winning forehand while crouching at the net.
Nadal had his right thigh bandaged, indicating an injury that might affect his singles hopes, where he could potentially face rival Novak Djokovic in the second round. Despite the physical challenge, Nadal’s expertise and Alcaraz’s enthusiasm saw the Spanish dream team begin their Olympic journey with a victorious stride.
The Spanish pair, who received a standing ovation from the packed crowd, overcame a shaky start when Alcaraz was broken in the first game.
Nadal and Alcaraz’s partnership was instantly celebrated by fans, having seen both players achieve individual successes on the same court, with Nadal winning 14 French Opens and Alcaraz securing his first just last month.
Earlier in the day, Alcaraz had also impressed by beginning his singles campaign with a straight-sets victory over Hady Habib. Reflecting on the day, the 21-year-old Alcaraz said it was a “dream” to play alongside his compatriot Nadal.
Despite an early break, the greater experience of the 38-year-old Nadal was pivotal. His sharp reflexes helped to retrieve the break quickly, and the pair capitalized on three set points in the tiebreaker. A precise down-the-line backhand from Nadal secured the opener.
The Argentine pair, Gonzalez and Molteni, faced a challenging atmosphere, entering the arena to a chorus of boos due to a recent racism row between Argentina and France. However, they recovered and took a 3-0 lead in the second set, but the Spanish duo fought back to level the score.
Nadal’s performance remained crucial as he secured a key break with a strong backhand return, putting him and Alcaraz ahead 5-4 and setting them up to serve for the match. Nadal, a winner of Olympic singles gold in 2008 and doubles gold in 2016, served for the match successfully. Victory was assured when Alcaraz hit a winning forehand while crouching at the net.
Nadal had his right thigh bandaged, indicating an injury that might affect his singles hopes, where he could potentially face rival Novak Djokovic in the second round. Despite the physical challenge, Nadal’s expertise and Alcaraz’s enthusiasm saw the Spanish dream team begin their Olympic journey with a victorious stride.
