The quintessential professional,  Rafael Nadal, is still managing to rack up victories on his favorite hunting ground. This time, there’s a cherry on top. The Spaniard, along with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz, made a roaring start to their doubles campaign at the Paris Olympics on Saturday, July 27. The duo joined forces for the first time, forming Spain’s so-called dream team, offering tennis fans a two-for-one spectacle on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros.

In what is the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s final participation in the Olympic Games, Nadal and countryman Alcaraz locked horns with the Argentine pair of Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni in the multi-sport event’s opener. The Spaniards showcased a thrilling performance and downed Team Argentina’s pair in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-4. Subsequently, their triumph over the seasoned doubles duo elicited a hilarious reaction from a former tennis professional.

Following the duo’s victory, former American tennis star Mardy Fish took to his official X handle to address the Spaniards’ conquest. In his tweet, the 42-year-old amusingly called for Nadal and Alcaraz’s dismissal owing to their ravishing on-court showdown. “I declare this team as not fair. Disqualify them for being too good immediately.”

However, Mardy wasn’t the only person to greet the duo’s win. In a post-match presser, Nadal expressed his elation prevailing over the Argentine pair. “It’s been an emotional night, an electrifying night, an amazing crowd. Playing with Carlos on this court has been so special. We’re just super happy about the victory, that it’s given us the chance to keep going.”

While things seemed surreal for the former World No. 1 following his opening round glory, he unfortunately landed in a tough spot concerning his participation in the event’s singles category.

Rafael Nadal blasts Paris Olympics scheduling ahead of singles showdown

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has cast doubts over his upcoming singles participation at the Paris Olympics. Moreover, the 38-year-old lambasted the event’s scheduling, taking shots at the impractical timings for his opening round singles meet.

Shortly after registering his doubles victory, the 22-time Major champion was discontent upon learning that his singles face-off against Hungarian Marton Fucsovics was scheduled for 2:00 pm on Sunday, July 28. While speaking to ‘Carrusel Deportivo,’ the former World No. 1 also laid bare his disappointment with the “outrageous” match scheduling. “I don’t know if I’ll play tomorrow, I have to evaluate it with my team. I don’t understand the schedule, it seems outrageous to me when I’m playing tomorrow at two o’clock. I’ll make the decision that I think is most appropriate to have a chance of getting results for Spain.”

For what it’s worth, the ‘King of Clay’ has set his priorities straight. If Nadal withdraws from his singles match, he will focus his efforts on clinching a gold medal for his nation in the doubles category with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz.