‘Nadalcaraz’ takes the lead and dreams big in Paris | ATP Tour

Paris Olympics

‘Nadalcaraz’ takes the lead and dreams big in Paris

The Spanish duo beat the Argentines and sixth seeds Molteni/González

July 27, 2024

Rafael Nadal’s first Olympic appearance with Carlos Alcaraz under the colors of the Spanish team was up to the task, and in their debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games they took the first step by a tight 7-6 (4), 6-4 against Argentines Andres Molteni and Máximo González, sixth seeds.

The Spaniards, who began the match by giving up Alcaraz’s serve, gradually got into their rhythm as the match progressed, going from strength to strength. Solid from the baseline and active at the net, ‘Nadalcaraz’ needed one hour and 47 minutes of play to close out the match and advance to the round of 16.

The Argentine duo played a good match, especially in the first set, which was decided only in the tie-break. The second set was far from being a formality, too, and the Argentines started ahead with a break, signing the first three games before Nadal and Alcaraz reacted. A new break in the ninth game gave the Spaniards the door to seal the victory on Nadal’s serve.

After securing their first victory of the tournament, the Spanish duo confirmed why they are one of the great attractions of these Olympic Games, with Nadal holding the record for men’s singles titles at Roland Garros (14), while Alcaraz achieved his first triumph at the French Open just a month ago.

As if that were not enough, Nadal knows what it is like to win a gold medal alone (Beijing 2008) and also in a partner, something he did with Marc López at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Now they have taken the first step to achieve it again. For a place in the quarter-finals, Nadal/Alcaraz await the winners of the Dutch duo Griekspoor/Koolhof and the Hungarians Fucsovics/Marozsan.

Meanwhile, both Alcaraz and Nadal, the Olympic torchbearer, continue to be the centre of attention in the Olympic and Paralympic Village of Paris 2024, where they are the most sought-after athletes for photos and/or autographs almost at every step.