Rafael Nadal made a winning start at his fourth Olympic Games in Paris, scoring a notable win alongside world no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal and Alcaraz are through into the second round in men’s doubles, but the 22-time Major winner is still uncertain about his singles campaign!

Rafa is scheduled to play his first-round singles match against Marton Fucsovics on Sunday at 14:00. His decision is still in the making, having to talk with his team first and make the right choice that will allow him to chase at least one medal at his beloved Roland Garros.Nadal arrived in Paris from Bastad, reaching his 131st ATP final at the ATP 250 event and battling past four rivals. Rafa started training at Roland Garros on Monday and felt discomfort in his right thigh on Wednesday. The veteran did not train on Thursday and looked better on Friday’s practice court.

Nadal and Carlos made a winning start tonight, and Rafa will have to think about the best solution for him in the rest of the tournament.If he faces Fucsvocis tomorrow and scores a win, Nadal will meet Novak Djokovic in the second round, and his singles campaign will likely end there.

Nadal has played six singles tournaments in 2024, returning from an injury but experiencing more setbacks. Rafa kicked off the year in Brisbane, competing for the first time in almost a year and losing in the quarter-final after wasting three match points.

The veteran stayed away from the court until April following abdominal issues, making a fresh start in Barcelona and competing in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros, like in the glory days. Rafa fell to Alexander Zverev in the first round in Paris, embracing his earliest loss at his beloved Major and missing the grass season.



Nadal trained in Mallorca and Greece and went to Bastad, making his final preparation for the Olympic Games. Rafa defeated four rivals and reached his first ATP final since Roland Garros two years ago!
Rafael Nadal has yet to decide about his singles OIympic Games campaign.
The Spaniard prevailed over Mariano Navone in four hours in the quarter-final, enduring physically and remaining in the competition.

Rafa took down Duje Ajdukovic in three sets in the semi-final, losing more energy and taking only five games against Nuno Borges in the title clash. Nadal arrived in Paris the next day and experienced a thigh setback that may force him to withdraw from the singles draw and focus on the doubles action with Alcaraz.

Rafa and Carlos played alongside each other for the first time on Saturday night and made an impressive start. The Spaniard took down the 6th seed Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez from Argentina 7-6, 6-4 in an hour and 46 minutes, booking a place in the second round on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Nadal and Alcaraz clinched the opener in a tie break and made a comeback in set number two, erasing a 3-0 deficit and sealing the deal in straight sets. Molteni and Gonzalez grabbed an early break in each set.However, it was not enough to carry them through, getting broken three times and ending their campaign on the first obstacle.

Rafa and Carlos covered the court nicely and served well in the pivotal moments, celebrating a memorable moment together. Alcaraz served first and got broken after Gonzalez’s forehand return winner. Maximo hit a double fault in the second game, allowing the Spaniards to pull the break back and erase the deficit.



They held in games three and four, and Carlos faced more issues behind the initial shot at 2-2. He and Rafa played against two break points, saving them and avoiding another setback. The upcoming games brought no chances for the returners, and Gonzalez hit a volley winner on serve in the 12th game, presenting a tie break.

The servers made no errors in the opening six points before Carlos secured a mini-break with a lucky net cord for a 4-3 lead.

Nadal drew Molteni’s error in the ninth point for three set points and painted a return winner at 6-4, wrapping up the opener and generating enormous confidence.
Gonalez and Molteni made a fresh start in the second set, producing two easy holds and breaking the Spaniards in game two for a 3-0 advantage. Nadal and Alcaraz served well in the rest of the clash, keeping the pressure on their rivals and hoping for a comeback.

The Spaniards held at love in the fourth game and pulled the break back a few minutes later after Molteni’s smash error. Carlos landed a winner at the net in the sixth game, with the red team producing another hold at love and making a push on the return in the next one.

Gonzalez and Molteni battled past three break points at 3-3, staying in contention and improving their chances. The Spaniard produced their third consecutive hold at love in game eight, locking the result at 4-4 and preparing an assault on the return.

Andres squandered a game point in game nine, and Rafa earned a break chance for Spain. Carlos hit a backhand crosscourt return winner, converting it in style and pushing his squad in front. Nadal served at 5-4 and generated two match points for Spain with a smash winner.



Alcaraz converted the second with a volley winner at the net, starting a massive celebration with his idol on a memorable Parisian night. “I’m playing at 14:00? I do not understand the schedule, but what can you do? I can not tell you much about tomorrow, and my singles match.

I have to return to the Olympic Village and speak to my team. I have to make the most suitable decision to give myself more chances to win a medal for Spain. I’m not saying I will withdraw, but I have to speak with everyone first and decide tonight or tomorrow morning,” Rafael Nadal said.