It’s time for the Clash of Titans at the Paris Olympics! With tennis experts from several countries taking part in the mega event, it won’t be easy for any athlete to claim a one-sided victory. And despite being legends of the game, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are also set to face significant challenges against their Argentine opponents, Máximo González and Andrés Molteni. But how much do we know about this star doubles pair? Let’s dive in.

Born on July 20, 1983, Gonzalez turned pro in 2002, per ATP Tour.com. He picked up racquets when he was just 4 years old and almost four decades later, he has been a formidable force in the tennis circuit. For the 41-year-old, his favorite tournament is Roland Garros, and the surface that he considers best for himself is clay. Interestingly, the Summer Olympics this year is taking place on the same clay courts and hence, it would be exciting to see Gonzalez hitting balls. But more than his singles endeavor, ‘Machi’ is known for his doubles skills.

The Argentine star has a career-high doubles ranking of 10. The star player won his first doubles title in 2008 in Valencia and since then there has been no looking back. Gonzalez has won 17 ATP Tour Doubles titles and has partnered with 9 different players over the course of his career. He has also won 2 of 3 clay titles at the 500 level (Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona) and hard court titles in Washington and Cincinnati. The current season has been equally good for the Argentine as he has advanced to the semi-finals in mixed doubles in both the French Open and Wimbledon. And to add to his strength, there is his amazing partner, Andres Molteni.

Andres Molteni was born on March 15, 1988, and has been playing tennis since he was just 5. Just like his compatriot Gonzalez, he admires playing on the clay surface and his favorite tournament is also the French Open. Known for his forehand and volley, the star player has been a formidable face in the doubles category with a career-high rank of 7.

Molteni has won 16 ATP titles in doubles so far. He has captured at least one title for 7 of the last 8 years (except 2020). This year can be termed as one of his best doubles seasons since he advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open as well as Wimbledon. But besides their individual achievements, the partners are known for their exceptional accolades together.

Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez have achieved significant success together. Last year alone, they won 5 titles together in Barcelona, Cordoba, Cincinnati, Rio, and Washington. These victories have established the two as one of the most successful doubles partners and have the capability to create significant challenges for Nadal and Alcaraz. But, despite the magnanimous challenge, the Spaniards are not motivated any less for their Saturday clash.

Especially as their Spanish opponents are something of a masterclass in tennis themselves!

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal are ‘era-defining’ players, says Nadal’s coach

Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have paired to form one of the best teams in tennis history. And despite the challenges ahead, they are prepared completely to support each other and play their best alongside each other.

Rafael Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya praised ‘Nadalcaraz’ (Raflitos?) and expressed his belief in the partnership. “It’s an iconic image that could define an era,” explained Carlos Moyà, Nadal’s coach. “I watched the two training sessions they’ve had from the courtside and I had a great time. You see Rafa with his experience and charisma. And then you see Carlos, kind of like Rafa was aged 20 or 21, very expressive and effusive… Hopefully they can keep going because it’s a partnership that tennis fans can fall in love with.” Besides, Alcaraz’s consecutive grand slam wins this season, and Rafa’s motivation for the last Olympic of his career will boost the confidence of the two. 

With the players set to face their Argentine counterparts, it would be fascinating to see how they play against the doubles specialist. But what remains certain, is an intense showdown!