We have reached medal day at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The men’s doubles event has been a great mix of top singles players and conventional doubles pairings squaring off. For the bronze, Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul of the United States square off against Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek of Czech. For gold, Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the United States take on Matthew Ebden and John Peers of Australia. Offering their insights are Shane Black, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds. Who will reach the podium?
Paris Olympics Men’s Doubles Predictions
Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul vs Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek
Shane
Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, two of the top singles players in the world, have proven to be a respectable doubles pairing. Fritz’s serve, paired with Paul’s reflexes, creates a perfect tandem on the court. Tomas Machac reached the semifinals of both the men’s and mixed doubles draw. He and Pavlasek are powerful and tough to pass at the net. However, I believe the creativity of the Americans will be the difference.
Prediction: Fritz and Paul in 2
Jordan
Paul and Fritz had looked so good as a team in the early rounds and will be very disappointed with their semifinal performance. Machac and Pavlasek were beaten even more comprehensively by the excellent pairing of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek. The level Paul and Fritz produced before the semifinal would be good enough to claim bronze medals. It seems unlikely they will underperform again and lose the chance of taking home bronze.
Prediction: Fritz/Paul in 2
Damian
The Czechs were kind of out of steam by the semifinals and they’ll have to regroup quickly. Mentally it might not be that easy for them to bring their best as for Fritz and Paul this isn’t really their first big-time rodeo (even if it’s still a new scenario, doubles, Olympics). They are the better doubles players though and that should count for something. Machac and Pavlasek need to find their returning strength again and play as smart as they were in the first three rounds.
Prediction: Machac/Pavlasek in 3
Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram vs Matthew Ebden and John Peers
Shane
Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram have proven what two high-level, experience doubles players can do against a field of singles players. They have not wilted under pressure and have reached the Paris Olympics men’s doubles gold medal match without dropping a set. However, Peers and Ebden are also experienced doubles players. They also have yet to drop a set this tournament and have gone relatively under the radar this week. It should be an entering final, but under the tutelage of the Bryan brothers, Team USA should get it done.
Prediction: Krajicek and Ram in 2
Damian
After a tournament that has brought out some weird takes from people on social media about motivated singles players always beating the doubles specialists, it’s quite refreshing that we actually get a final with four elite doubles players. Krajicek/Ram seem like the stronger pair who really discovered their chemistry over the course of the week. Clay might not be their best, but the younger of the two has a Roland Garros title under his belt and it’s not like they can’t play on it.
Prediction: Krajicek/Ram in 2
Jordan
Although Peers and Ebden deserve a lot of credit for their run, Krajicek and Ram have been the outstanding pair throughout the men’s doubles. If they hold their nerve, it is going to be tough for the Australians to overcome them. Krajicek and Ram’s experience on the big stage should mean they are able to manage the pressure. Ebden and Peers will need to serve superbly to have any chance.
Prediction: Krajicek/Ram in 2
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
