Olympics tennis: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz win in men’s doubles after Novak Djokovic advances
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s highly anticipated Olympic pairing started with a first-round win over Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez in the men’s doubles.
The Spanish duo beat the Argentine sixth seeds 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in front of a packed Court Phillipe Chatrier in Paris.
Nadal was Alcaraz’s childhood hero and the two have paired up in what is expected to be Nadal’s final season on tour.
When asked whether he would retire after the Games, Nadal said: “No, I never said that. It has been an unforgettable day, following an unforgettable day yesterday [carrying the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony].
“I’m enjoying every single moment and having the best experience possible.”
Alcaraz has long been described as Nadal’s heir, having won his first French Open title in June before defending his Wimbledon crown just two weeks ago.
And he described playing alongside his fellow countryman as a “beautiful moment”.
“I mean Rafa, what can I say about Rafa?” said Alcaraz.
“He plays an unbelievable game in singles, everybody knows that.
“But he plays really good tennis in doubles as well, and that was wild. So it’s easy playing with him, honestly, but dealing with the nerves was difficult.”
Nadal is the more experienced in doubles, winning Olympic gold in Rio in 2016, and it showed, with Alcaraz taking longer to adjust to the movement needed.
However, ‘Nadalcaraz’, as the superstar pair are being called, came back from a break down in both sets to reach the second round.
A deft touch at the net from Alcaraz secured victory for the pair, who shouted “vamos!” and embraced before sending spare balls flying out to fans in the stands.
They received vocal support from the crowd, which was full of Spanish flags – although even they were held up by the cheer that rang out after news of France’s gold in the rugby sevens filtered through.
