The Spanish duo ousted Argentina’s sixth seeds, Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, in straight sets to advance to the second round.
“Rafaraz” or “Nadalcaraz”? On Saturday, the doubles team of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal could simply be called “unstoppable” in their Olympic debut.
The Spaniards dispatched Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni of Argentina in straight sets on Saturday to advance to the second round at the 2024 Paris Games.
Nadal, 38, was among the icons of French sport featured at the Opening Ceremony held on the River Seine the night before. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, who has won 14 major titles at Roland Garros, returned to his winning ways in Paris by partnering with 21-year-old Alcaraz to secure a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory.
“We played well. It was a very tough start against a great team. They are so good, and they are used to playing together,” Nadal said in a post-match interview.
“It was an emotional night, an electrifying night, with an amazing crowd. Playing with Carlos on this court was so special. Just super happy about the victory and the chance to keep going.”
Under the closed roof of Chatrier, Alcaraz and Nadal won a tight opening set in a tiebreaker, with the experienced Nadal taking charge when Alcaraz’s nerves threatened to take over. After trailing 0-3 in the second set, the Spanish pair rallied to win six of the next seven games amid chants of “Rafa, Rafa!” securing the win.
The Spaniards will face the winner of the match between the Netherlands’ Wesley Koolhof and Tallon Griekspoor, or Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan and Marton Fucsovics.
Nadal has previously won the gold medal in men’s singles at the 2008 Beijing Games and took home men’s doubles gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games with Marc Lopez.
“I dreamed about playing my first Olympic Games, but playing with Rafa made it even more special,” Alcaraz said afterward.
World No. 3 Alcaraz, who also won his first-round singles match earlier in the day, is competing in the Olympics for the first time. He arrived in Paris fresh off major victories at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and described teaming up with Nadal in doubles as a “dream come true.”
“It was a dream come true, honestly. I dreamed about playing my first Olympic Games, but playing with Rafa made it even more special,” Alcaraz told the press afterward.
“I’m really happy with our performance and excited to have the chance to keep going, to play another round. I think our level is good enough to believe, and hopefully, we can keep progressing.”