Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz got their Olympics doubles campaign off to a winning start as they defeated No. 6 seeds Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni 7-6(4), 6-4 on Saturday. Up next for Nadalcaraz are Dutchmen Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof or Hungarians Marton Fucsovics and Fabian Marozsan.
The Spanish pair endured a nightmare start when Carlos was broken in the first game. Having not played doubles on tour since 2022, the rustiness was not surprising.
The greater experience of Rafa was key as the break was quickly retrieved with the 38-year-old’s reflexes as razor sharp as ever at the net.
Nadalcaraz went to three set points in the tiebreaker and a pinpoint down the line backhand by Nadal secured the opener.
Gonzalez and Molteni raced to a 3-0 lead in the second set but back came the Spanish pair to level.
Rafa secured another key break with a rasping backhand return to allow him and his partner to lead 5-4 and the opportunity to serve for the match.
That honour fell to the 22-time Grand Slam title champion and victory was secured when Carlos slapped the winning forehand crouching at the net.
Carlitos has already played today, winning his singles tie earlier easily in two sets. If Rafa wins his singles game tomorrow, he will meet Novak Djokovic in round 2.
Source: AFP
Was thrilled to see Rafa play yesterday. So much better than in Sweden. Keep it up Rafa!
If 2 o’clock is too soon then that’s fine. Don’t lose all that you e done to keep as fit as possible and stay healthy for the doubles.
Love you Rafa! ❤️
I completely disagree with people saying drop singles!! Play till you lose, Rafa! He has a gold in both singles and doubles. Not playing singles is the “anti-Rafa” move!
What a team👏👍hope Rafa is healthy. Just want him to enjoy every moment out on
court-he has earned it🍀🎾❤️
Rafa has strapping on his thigh. I think it’s ok if he prioritizes the doubles only and skips the singles.
Do we know yet what time Rafa plays tomorrow – I can’t find it anywhere. They made a good doubles team – I think I would play the lob less going forward, but they both played well.
Rafa’s match is second on Chatrier. Around 8am edt or 2pm local time.
Thanks
Rafa is so great at the net and it’s a joy to watch Carlitos and Rafa play together. Very exciting straight set match.
But with a thigh injury I almost wish Rafa were not playing singles. Rafa’s not listening to me though.
Go Rafa!
I am with you! I would be perfectly happy if he continues to play doubles instead. Novak will be tough. His fans are the worst, however.
He might listen to you after all. 🙂