Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz shared the same side of the court for the first time
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz were more than willing to fight for Spain together, sharing the same side of the court for the first time.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are the fourth pair of Majow winners at the Olympic Games.
Nadal and Alcaraz met the 6th seeds Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in the first round on Court Philippe-Chatrier and delivered a 7-6, 6-4 triumph in an hour and 46 minutes, earning a spot in the second round. Rafa and Carlos lost serve in the early stages of both sets.
They battled back and prevailed in the pivotal moments to emerge at the top, overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the second set and sealing the deal in style. Thus, the young Spaniard enjoyed an incredible Olympic Games debut, scoring his singles victory a couple of hours earlier.
The 6th seeds were off to a better start. Gonzalez landed a forehand return winner in the first game of the encounter for an early break on Alcaraz’s serve. Maximo spoiled that with a double fault in the second game, bringing the Spaniards back to the positive side of the scoreboard.
Rafa held at love in game six, locking the result at 3-3 after Carlos’ winner at the net. The red squad created more break chances in the seventh game, pushing their rivals to the limits. Gonzalez and Molteni defended three break points, passing a massive obstacle and remaining on the positive side.
Carlos delivered the third straight hold at love for his country in game eight, locking the result at 4-4 and making another push on the return in the next one. Andres squandered a game point in game nine, and Rafa won a rally for a break point.
Carlos converted it with a backhand crosscourt return winner, sending Spain 5-4 in front and delivering a crucial break. Nadal served for the win in game ten and generated two match points with a smash winner. Alcaraz seized the second with a volley winner at the net, sealing the deal for Spain and celebrating with his idol.
