Rafael Nadal returned to Olympics action as he partnered with his countryman, Carlos Alcaraz, for the men's doubles in Paris on July 27. The duo defeated Argentina's Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in the first round 7-6(4), 6-4, with the 22-time Grand Slam champion's younger sister Maribel in attendance to support the Spanish duo.
Maribel pursued her education in sports management and currently heads the marketing and sales department of the Rafa Nadal Academy. She has been a regular face in her brother's player box during his matches.
Maribel shared glimpses of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz's doubles match on her Instagram stories, including a photo of herself smiling and posing with Spain's flag.
Nadal and Alcaraz will now be heading to the second round of men's doubles where they will face the winners of the match between Hungary's Marton Fucsovics and Fabian Marozsan & the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof.
Nadal aims to clinch his third Olympic gold, while Alcaraz seeks his first medal in the Summer Games.
Carlos Alcaraz on playing doubles with Rafael Nadal: "Difficult to deal with the nerves"
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal formed a formidable duo, storming past their seeded opponents in the first round in straight sets. The dream team is one of the favorites for the doubles competition in Paris.
Alcaraz spoke about his preparation for the doubles along with Nadal during a media interaction:
"We were training very, very well and we made the most of the opportunities that were given to us and in the end we ended up playing great tennis."
The 21-year-old also discussed managing his nerves to make his Olympics debut alongside the Spanish legend on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
"It wasn't Rafa himself that was imposing on me, but the situation. 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, " Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz has had a terrific year, winning two Grand Slams at the French Open and Wimbledon. The Spaniard will now be eager to continue this run of form and clinch his first Olympic gold in Paris 2024.
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