Olympic Games-Tennis-Nadal, Alcaraz roar to opening doubles win | WIBQ The Talk Station

PARIS (Reuters) – Rafa Nadal teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz for the first time as Spain’s so-called dream team opened their Olympic doubles campaign with a 7-6(4) 6-4 defeat to sixth-seeded Argentines Maximo Gonzales and Andres Molteni on Saturday.

“Nadalcaraz”, as the Spaniards called themselves, delivered spectacular tennis and were cheered to victory by a packed evening crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Despite some injury concerns, the 38-year-old Nadal looked sharp as the 14-time Roland Garros champion sealed the first set with a fierce backhand winner.

Alcaraz, winner of this year’s French Open and Wimbledon and a new star in men’s tennis, seemed to enjoy life alongside his idol, hitting a winning backhand to break the Spaniards’ service at 4-4 in the second set.

Nadal smashed home a set piece to secure match point in the next game as the crowd chanted “Rafa, Rafa” and the Spaniards sealed victory with a volley from Alcaraz – the crowd rose as one to give the duo a standing ovation.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman)