Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz won an amazing first-round doubles match at Roland Garros, prompting one American tennis great to call for their disqualification from the 2024 Games in Paris. The Spanish duo demonstrated their strength on the renowned Philippe Chatrier court, defeating Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 7-6(4) 6-4.
Nadal and Alcaraz swiftly bonded as a team in front of the glittering stadium, eliminating the sixth-seeded players in the event. Even though Nadal had obvious strapping on his right thigh, their play was so strong that Mardy Fish had to remark on how talented they were.
Fish joked on X, saying, “I declare this team as not fair,” suggesting that they be disqualified right away for being too talented. Fish also joked about the duo’s skill being somewhat “unfair.” Despite his renowned reputation and 14 victories on the clay of Roland Garros, this tournament was Nadal’s first time competing in doubles at the venue. Interestingly, he does have an Olympic gold medal from eight years ago, when he won alongside Marc Lopez, according to the Express.
Even though he was less experienced in doubles play, Alcaraz felt the pressure early in their match and quickly gave up his serve to Gonzalez and Molteni, the Wimbledon quarterfinalists. Still, the Spanish had more expertise than everyone else.
Even Alcaraz, who had won the Wimbledon and French Opens, acknowledged that he was nervous about playing with Nadal in the Olympics. “It wasn’t Rafa himself that was imposing on me, but the situation,” he said. “In the end, seeing the Philippe Chatrier stadium full, playing with Rafa, my first Olympics… It was a moment, I’ll say, that was difficult to deal with the nerves.”
“To be honest, it was a dream come true. I had always wanted to play in the Olympics, but it was much more thrilling to play alongside Rafa. I’m quite pleased with the level we performed and grateful that we have another round to play. We’re at a stage where we should be able to continue, in my opinion.
After his match, Nadal publicly voiced his displeasure with the Olympic schedule, having been informed that he would have to play at 2 p.m. on Sunday after playing Alcaraz on Saturday night, when they were infamously warned they were “too good” and should be disqualified.
Due to a thigh ailment he is managing, there were many doubts about Rafael Nadal competing in the singles. However, the 38-year-old superstar is ready to take against Marton Fucsovics of Hungary. Should Nadal overcome Fucsovics, he would face the formidable Novak Djokovic in an exciting second round match.