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Victor Petkov
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Nadal, Alcaraz kick-off doubles in Paris with a win
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The Spaniards won 7-6; 6-4 against Argentine sixth seeds Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s highly-anticipated Olympic pairing began successfully with a first-round win over Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez in men’s doubles. The Spanish duo defeated the Argentine sixth seeds 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 in front of a packed Court Phillipe Chatrier in Paris.

Nadal, Alcaraz’s childhood hero, has teamed up with the young Spaniard in what is expected to be his final season on tour. Alcaraz, often seen as Nadal’s heir, won his first French Open title in June and defended his Wimbledon crown just two weeks ago.

Nadal, who won Olympic silver in doubles at Rio 2016, showed his experience, while Alcaraz took a bit longer to adjust to the movement required in doubles. Despite this, the pair, dubbed ‘Nadalcaraz,’ came back from a break down in both sets to secure their place in the second round.

The victory was clinched by a deft touch at the net from Alcaraz, prompting both players to shout “vamos!” and embrace before throwing spare balls to fans in the stands.