Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz captivated the Roland Garros audience as they commenced their Olympic Games doubles journey with a win.
The Spanish duo defeated Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in straight sets, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, on Court Philippe Chatrier, amidst vibrant cheers from the crowd. Earlier in the day, Alcaraz had triumphed in his singles match, calling it a “dream” to team up with Nadal.
Nadal, who previously won Olympic singles gold in 2008 and doubles gold in 2016, competed with a bandaged right thigh, a remnant of an injury that might jeopardize his singles campaign against Novak Djokovic.
Gonzalez and Molteni faced a less welcoming reception due to a recent racism controversy involving Argentina and France, receiving boos upon their entrance.
The match started unfavourably for the Spanish pair when Alcaraz lost his serve early on, showing signs of their recent absence from doubles competition. However, Nadal’s seasoned skills quickly turned the tide, retrieving the break with his sharp net play.
The Spanish duo reached three set points in the tiebreaker, with Nadal clinching the set with a precise backhand. Although Gonzalez and Molteni initially led 3-0 in the second set, Nadal and Alcaraz quickly equalized. Nadal broke with a powerful backhand return, setting them up to serve at 5-4. Nadal served for the match, and Alcaraz sealed the victory with a decisive forehand at the net.
