Strutting their stuff on the jam-packed Court Philippe Chatrier, the dynamic duo from Spain didn't disappoint, serving up a straight-sets victory, 7-6(4) 6-4, over Argentinian pair, Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.
Living up to the hype, Nadal and Alcaraz proved they were a match made in tennis heaven , sidelining the sixth-seeded team at the French Open. Despite Nadal sporting some thigh strapping, this pair's synergy signaled they're a force to be reckoned with in pursuit of the gold, leading Fish to quip about their combined prowess.
Taking to X, Fish couldn't help but make a jestful remark about the Spaniards' instantaneous compatibility on court. "I declare this team as not fair," he posted. "Disqualify them for being too good immediately."
Roland Garros clay is Nadal's old stomping ground, boasting an astonishing 14 titles and 116 matches under his belt, yet remarkably, hes never paired up for doubles at the Grand Slam even if that didnt stop him from clinching Olympic gold with compatriot Marc Lopez eight years prior.
On the flip side, Alcaraz is still finding his feet in the doubles scene, a touch of greenness showing when he lost his serve pronto against Wimbledon quarter-finalists Gonzalez and Molteni. That said, the inherent Spanish flair shone through, propelling them into the next round without a hitch.
Even Alcaraz confessed that despite basking in the glory as both the French Open and Wimbledon champ, he felt the jitters playing alongside living legend Nadal at the Olympics.
"It wasn't Rafa himself that was imposing on me, but the situation," he stated. "In the end, seeing the Philippe Chatrier stadium full, playing with Rafa, my first Olympics... It was a moment, I'll say, that was difficult to deal with the nerves."
"It was a dream come true, honestly. I dreamed about playing my debut in the Olympic Games, but playing with Rafa, it was even more special. I'm really happy about the level we played, I'm really happy to give us the chance to keep going, to play another round. I think our level is good enough to believe and hopefully keep going."
Nadal's mood dipped when addressing the Olympics organisers about their scheduling choices, especially after being informed that his next match would be at 2pm the following Sunday, having just played on Saturday evening alongside Alcaraz; they were told they were "too good" and needed to be disqualified.
Despite fears regarding his participation due to a thigh injury, the 38-year-old Nadal is set to go up against Hungary's Marton Fucsovics. Facing off against Novak Djokovic in the second round will become a reality for Nadal should he triumph in his opening match.
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