Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz kicked off their Olympic partnership with a first-round victory over Argentina’s Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez in the men’s doubles. The Spanish pair defeated the sixth seeds 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 on a packed Court Phillipe Chatrier in Paris.
Nadal, Alcaraz’s childhood hero, is pairing with the young star in what is expected to be Nadal’s final season on tour. Alcaraz, considered Nadal’s heir, recently defended his Wimbledon title and claimed his first French Open victory in June.
Despite Nadal’s greater doubles experience, which includes an Olympic silver medal from Rio 2016, the duo faced challenges, coming back from a break down in both sets to secure the win. Alcaraz’s deft touch at the net clinched the victory, prompting enthusiastic celebrations from the pair and their fans, who filled the stands with Spanish flags.
In other Olympic tennis news, world number one Iga Swiatek began her campaign with a hard-fought win over Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu, while Italy’s Jasmine Paolini advanced with a victory over Ana Bogdan of Romania. Heavy rain disrupted play on the outside courts, delaying the singles campaigns of Britons Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, Dan Evans, and Katie Boulter.
Djokovic Dominates in First Round
Novak Djokovic’s quest for an elusive Olympic gold medal began with a commanding 6-0 6-1 victory over Australia’s Matthew Ebden. The Serbian star, who has previously won a bronze medal in Beijing 2008, needed just 53 minutes to dispatch Ebden, who was playing his first singles match in two years.
Despite Ebden’s efforts, including a cheeky underarm serve, Djokovic’s dominance was evident. Ebden managed to get on the scoreboard in the second set, drawing a cheer from the crowd and a playful acknowledgment from Djokovic.
Djokovic may face long-time rival Nadal in the next rounds, provided Nadal overcomes Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. Meanwhile, Alcaraz advanced in his singles match with a straightforward 6-3 6-1 win over Lebanese Hady Habib, and Daniil Medvedev defeated Australia’s Rinky Hijikata 6-1 6-2.