Men’s doubles second round action at the Paris Olympics features top singles players like Gael Monfils and the Rafael Nadal/Carlos Alcaraz pairing in action, Team USA features Rajeev Ram as the clay court doubles in Paris continues on.
Carlos Alcaraz/Rafael Nadal vs Tallon Griekspoor/Wesley Koolhof
Damian Kust: Alcaraz took a bit of time to catch up with Nadal in their opening round, but towards the end of their match the youngster was executing some really good reflex combinations on top of the net. This might help them out as Nadal was pretty fabulous in that one from the get-go and bothered Gonzalez/Molteni so much with his lefty spins. It’s not obvious they’ll get this one as well, but they’re the favorites. Alcaraz/Nadal in 2
Jordan Reynolds: The manner of Nadal’s defeat to Novak Djokovic proved he is still nowhere near his best in singles. However, he was outstanding in his opening doubles match, and actually outperformed Alcaraz throughout it. Koolhof is a great doubles player, but the Spanish pair will probably prove to be too formidable. Nadal/Alcaraz in 2
Gael Monfils/Edouard Roger-Vasselin vs Kevin Krawietz/Tim Puetz
Damian: Krawietz/Puetz are the top favorites to take the title right now after Bolelli/Vavassori were eliminated. They just crushed the ATP 500 in Hamburg, beating Roger-Vasselin along the way (with Reboul). The latter Frenchman withdrawing is even better for them as Monfils is not that good a doubles player. Should be fairly comfortable. Krawietz/Puetz in 2
Jordan: This is likely to be a tight match. It may come down to how well Monfils plays since the other three men are all accomplished doubles players. Monfils is not as comfortable on the doubles court, and that could be what makes the difference. Krawietz/Puetz in a tiebreak
Rajeev Ram/Austin Krajicek vs Thiago Monteiro/Thiago Seyboth Wild
Damian: Monteiro/Seyboth Wild delivered a slight upset by defeating the potentially dangerous Bublik/Nedovyesov, but it’s not like the Brazilians can’t think of going on a run themselves. Perhaps it won’t be possible as they’re facing Ram/Krajicek, who still lack a little bit of chemistry together but are just incredible doubles players by themselves. Ram/Krajicek in 2
Jordan: The American pair have both won Grand Slam doubles titles. By contrast, the Brazilians have achieved very little in doubles during their careers. It is tough to see how Ram and Kracijek do not come through this. Ram and Kracijek in 2
Tomas Machac/Adam Pavlasek vs Nicolas Jarry/Alejandro Tabilo
Damian: Machac/Pavlasek are one of the deadliest “wildcard” teams in the event and they’ve been taking names with other partners all year. That’s also what they managed together against Salisbury/Skupski in the opening round. The Chilean duo won’t be a pushover either, but Machac/Pavlasek look like they could make it to the medal zone. Machac/Pavlasek in 3
Jordan: I like how Jarry and Tabilo’s games compliment each other. Jarry has a huge serve, Tabilo has great passing shots and both are capable volleyers. That combination gives them a good chance of overcoming Machac and Pavlasek. Jarry/Tabilo in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
