Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz Win Olympic Doubles Debut

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s eagerly awaited Olympic debut in men’s doubles began with a victory over Argentine sixth seeds Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez. The Spanish pair triumphed 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 on a packed Court Phillipe Chatrier in Paris. Nadal, Alcaraz’s childhood hero, teamed up with him in what might be Nadal’s final season on tour. Despite speculation, Nadal did not confirm his retirement post-Games, stating, “No, I never said that.”

Carlos Alcaraz, the recent French Open and Wimbledon champion, described playing alongside Rafael Nadal as a “beautiful moment” and praised his partner’s skills in both singles and doubles. While Nadal’s experience, including his 2016 Olympic silver in doubles was evident, Alcaraz initially struggled with the movement required in doubles. Nonetheless, the duo, nicknamed ‘Nadalcaraz,’ came back from breaks in both sets to secure a second-round spot.

Alcaraz’s net play clinched the win, prompting the pair to celebrate and engage with the enthusiastic crowd. In other Olympic tennis action, heavy rain halted play on outside courts but the roofed Chatrier saw Novak Djokovic’s dominant 6-0, 6-1 win over Australia’s Matt Ebden. Djokovic, seeking his first Olympic gold after a bronze in Beijing 2008, took just 53 minutes to dispatch Ebden.

In a lighthearted moment during the match, Ebden humorously offered his racquet to the crowd. Djokovic, who might face Nadal next, welcomed the quick victory. Meanwhile, Alcaraz also progressed in singles, defeating Lebanon’s Hady Habib 6-3, 6-1. Daniil Medvedev overcame Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 6-1, 6-2. Due to the rain, Britons Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans and Katie Boulter had their singles matches postponed to the next day.