Paris Olympics 2024: Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz find it easy in Doubles Debut

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal made a superb start in their eagerly awaited doubles debut, advancing to the second round of the Paris Olympics 2024.

The Spanish duo defeated Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in straight sets, 7-6 (6-4) 6-4, in a match lasting one hour and 49 minutes on Saturday (July 27).

Alcaraz began his day with a singles victory but had a shaky start in doubles, losing his first serve. Nadal quickly calmed the nerves, and they secured a crucial break in the next game. The teams were evenly matched, necessitating a tie-break to give Alcaraz and Nadal the lead.

The match-up everyone anticipated at the Olympics did not disappoint. Despite starting slowly, Alcaraz and Nadal soon showcased their skills. They hit 17 winners and won 46 of their 64 service points (72%), even though Alcaraz's first service game was not his best.

In the second set, Gonzalez and Molteni surged ahead with a 3-0 lead but couldn't maintain it. Alcaraz and Nadal fought back, winning three consecutive games to level the score. A vital break at 4-4 allowed Nadal to serve out the match, setting up their next encounter against either Dutch pair Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof or Hungary's Marton Fucsovics and Fabian Marozsan.

"We knew it would be tough, but we stayed focused and played our game," Nadal said after the match.

The Spaniards' performance lived up to the high expectations placed on them. Their ability to recover from early setbacks demonstrated their resilience and teamwork. Fans are eagerly awaiting their next match to see if they can continue this momentum.

As they move forward in the tournament, Alcaraz and Nadal will need to maintain their focus and adaptability. Their next opponents will likely pose new challenges, but their debut performance has shown they are ready for whatever comes next. Their chemistry on court is evident, making them strong contenders for an Olympic medal.