“Nadal and Alcaraz Keep Olympic Gold Hopes Alive with Stunning Victory”
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal continued their pursuit of a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, overcoming Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in a challenging doubles match. Following a successful first match, the Spaniards faced a tougher test against Koolhof, a former doubles World No. 1, and the skilled Griekspoor. Despite some physical issues…
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal continued their pursuit of a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, overcoming Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in a challenging doubles match. Following a successful first match, the Spaniards faced a tougher test against Koolhof, a former doubles World No. 1, and the skilled Griekspoor.
Despite some physical issues in his singles match, Alcaraz appeared fit for this doubles encounter. Both teams held their serves well initially, but the Dutch pair had more difficulties, needing to save early break points. At 3-3, the Spaniards were clearly playing better tennis and finally broke serve in the seventh game to lead 4-3. They faced break points in the next game but managed to hold serve, extending their lead to 5-3. They eventually secured the first set 6-4 by minimizing errors and serving excellently.
The second set began evenly, with both teams holding serve. The Dutch team started to pose more of a challenge, but Alcaraz and Nadal found opportunities in the fifth game, which they couldn’t capitalize on. The set remained tight and went into a tie-break, which the Dutch duo dominated, winning 7-2, largely thanks to Koolhof’s strong play.
In the decisive match tie-break, Alcaraz and Nadal quickly took control, racing to a 3-0 lead and eventually winning 10-2. This victory, achieved with a final score of 6-4, 6-7(2), 10-2, propelled them closer to the quarterfinals.