Carlos Alcaraz made a stunning debut at the Paris Olympics, securing victories in both singles and doubles. The young Spanish tennis sensation is savoring his first Olympic experience and has opted to stay in the Olympic Village, unlike some of his peers.
The four-time Grand Slam champion missed the opening ceremony on Friday due to his match schedule but has been enjoying the Olympic atmosphere. Despite not being present at the ceremony, Alcaraz has taken the opportunity to connect with fellow athletes and capture memorable moments. With recent triumphs at the French Open and Wimbledon, he is widely regarded as a leading contender for the gold medal in Paris.
Alcaraz has shown impressive form on the clay courts, a surface he excels on, though he must guard against lapses in concentration that have plagued him in the past. The Paris Olympics is a significant goal for Alcaraz this year, and he is determined to make the most of this opportunity, despite acknowledging that there will be more chances in the future.
In doubles, Alcaraz has teamed up with his esteemed compatriot Rafael Nadal, who is competing in his final Olympics. The Spanish duo had a challenging start but managed to overcome Gonzalez and Molteni in their debut match, demonstrating strong team chemistry despite facing tough competition in both sets.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz will face Tallon Griekspoor in the second round. The Dutch player, known for his powerful serve and baseline shots, is not a specialist on clay but poses a significant threat. Griekspoor nearly defeated Alexander Zverev at the 2024 French Open, showcasing his potential on this surface.
Former ATP star Alex Corretja has cautioned Alcaraz about the dangers of underestimating Griekspoor. Corretja emphasized Griekspoor’s potent backhand and forehand, advising Alcaraz to remain focused and not take his opponent lightly.
Despite his youth, Alcaraz has already achieved remarkable success, including four Grand Slam titles, five Masters 1000 victories, and a 36-week stint as world number one. ATP legend Boris Becker recently praised Alcaraz’s potential, expressing confidence in his future success if he can maintain his form and avoid injuries.
Alcaraz is considered the frontrunner for the gold medal, especially with world number one Jannik Sinner absent due to tonsillitis. Reflecting on his Olympic debut, Alcaraz described the experience of playing alongside Nadal in front of a packed Philippe Chatrier stadium as a dream come true. He expressed satisfaction with their performance and hopes to continue their successful run.
After recovering from physical issues, Alcaraz’s form has surged since spring, highlighted by his victories at the Indian Wells Masters and the Grand Slam events. As he aims to reclaim the ATP number one ranking, Alcaraz might opt to skip the Montreal Masters if he progresses deep into the Paris Olympics, balancing his schedule and focus for the remainder of the season.
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