Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s outstanding performance in men’s doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics has drawn a humorous reaction from former American tennis player Mardy Fish, who jokingly called their partnership “not fair.”
The Spanish duo began their Olympic campaign with a victory at Roland-Garros, defeating Argentine players Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez 7-6 (4), 6-4 in the opening round on Saturday, July 27. This impressive win came just hours after Alcaraz secured a singles win against Lebanon’s Hady Habib, with a score of 6-3, 6-1.
The partnership between Nadal and Alcaraz has been one of the most anticipated and talked-about collaborations of the Olympics. The pair received a warm welcome from a packed Philippe-Chatrier crowd, their collaboration at Stade Roland-Garros carrying special significance given their individual successes at the French Open.
Alcaraz, the reigning champion, won his first French Open title just over a month ago. Nadal’s legacy at the event is unparalleled, with 14 French Open titles over nearly two decades. Together, they boast 26 Grand Slam titles (Nadal’s 22 and Alcaraz’s four), making them one of the most formidable teams at the Olympics.
Noting their combined achievements, Mardy Fish humorously commented on social media, “I declare this team as not fair.” Fish, a silver medalist in men’s singles at the 2004 Athens Olympics, further joked about their dominance, saying, “Disqualify them for being too good immediately.”
Despite their victory, Alcaraz admitted that he initially struggled with nerves. Reflecting on his experience playing alongside his idol, the 21-year-old said, “It wasn’t Rafa himself that was imposing on me, but the situation. Seeing the Philippe-Chatrier stadium full, playing with Rafa, my first Olympics… It was a moment that was difficult to deal with the nerves.”
As the match progressed, Alcaraz managed to overcome his nerves, following Nadal’s lead. “I was quite nervous at the beginning but then, as the match progressed, I managed them in a more appropriate way.
And in the end we ended up playing great tennis and thoroughly enjoying the moment,” he added.
In the second round, Nadal and Alcaraz will face the winner of the match between the Dutch pair Wesley Koolhof and Tallon Griekspoor, and the Hungarian duo Marton Fucsovics and Fabian Marozsan.
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s partnership has already made waves at the Paris Olympics, with their initial victory showcasing their combined prowess on the court.
As the tournament progresses, fans and fellow athletes alike will be watching to see how this dynamic duo continues to perform. Mardy Fish’s playful commentary highlights the respect and admiration that Nadal and Alcaraz command in the world of tennis.
