Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago both booked spots in the last four of the 2024 CAZOVA U19 Boys Zonal Championship with wins over the US Virgin Islands and Barbados, respectively, on Monday at the GC Foster College in Spanish Town, Jamaica.
The hosts came from behind twice to secure a 3-2 win over USVI and secure top spot in Pool A and a spot in the semi-finals.
USVI took the first set 25-23 before Jamaica levelled proceedings with a 25-22 victory in the second set.
A close third set saw USVI win 26-24 to take a 2-1 lead before Jamaica roared back once again with a 25-20 win in the fourth set.
The hosts then took the fifth set 15-11. USVI will also advance to the semis after finishing second Pool A.
Trinidad & Tobago had an easier time of it than the Jamaicans, defeating Barbados 3-1 to top Pool B.
T&T won the first set 25-22 before Barbados tied things up with a 26-24 second set win. Trinidad & Tobago then won the next two sets 26-24 and 25-22 to secure their spot in the final four. Barbados and the Cayman Islands will determine who joins them in the semis from Pool B in the last preliminary round match.
In the CAZOVA U19 Girls Zonal Championship, the US Virgin Islands booked a spot in the semifinals with a 3-0 win over Curacao on Monday.
They won the sets 25-12, 25-10 and 25-12 to top Group B ahead of Curacao and Aruba who will face off to determine the other semifinalist from the group.
Barbados defeated hosts Jamaica on Sunday to book their spot in the semifinals from Group A.
The Bajans recovered from a 23-25 first set loss to win the next three sets 25-23, 25-17 and 25-21 and book their spot in the semis.
Jamaica, who were playing their first game in the tournament, will face Trinidad & Tobago to see who will join Barbados in the semis.
Barbados defeated T&T 3-1 to open the tournament on Saturday.
In a thrilling display at the Paris La Defense Arena, the Caribbean swimmers demonstrated their athleticism in the men's 100m freestyle with outstanding performances, but mixed results.
In heat two, Suriname's Irvin Hoost finished fourth in 52.99s, while St Lucia's Jayhan Odlum-Smith (50.39s) finished second in heat four, but their times were not good enough to advance.
Heat five saw Bahamian Olympic debutant Lamar Taylor clock a new National Record of 48.84s, and he was also the first swimmer to go sub-50 on the night. Barbados' Jack Kirby finished third in 50.42s.
Aruban swimmer Mikel Schreuders followed Taylor’s suit in heat six, as he too stopped the clock in 48.84s, before Dylan Carter (49.35s) of Trinidad and Tobago finished eighth in heat seven.
However, the night belonged to Jordan Crooks of the Cayman Islands, who performed admirably to finish third in a blistering 48.01s in heat eight.
Crooks advanced to the semi-finals with the fifth fastest time overall, a mere 0.44 seconds behind the fastest qualifier, American Jack Alexy. The other Caribbean competitors ranked: Hoost (68th), Odlum-Smith (44th), Taylor and Schreuders tied for 26th, Kirby (46th), and Carter (34th).
Collymore, Persaud and Crooks failed to progress in women’s 100m freestyle
Grenada's Tilly Collymore, Guyana's Aleka Persaud and Cayman Islands’ Jillian Crooks all performed exceptionally well in the women's 100m freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena, but like most of their male counterparts, failed to make the final cut to the semi-finals.
In heat one, Collymore finished second in 58.84s, just 0.65 seconds behind the winner. Persaud (1:01.29) placed fourth in the same heat, while Crooks (56.15s) finished seventh in heat two.
By virtue of their times, Crooks was 23rd overall, Collymore (26th), and Persaud (28th). Sweden's experienced campaigner, Sarah Sjöström, was the fastest qualifier in 52.99s.
Still, the Caribbean ladies had much to celebrate as Collymore, 16, is an Olympic debutant, while Persaud, 18, the youngest member of the Guyana team, was gracing the global multi-sport showpiece for a second time. She finished 55th in the 50m freestyle in Tokyo 2020 with a time of 27.76 seconds.
Crooks, 18, was also enjoying her second Olympic Games outing, having made her Olympic Games debut in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. She won three medals at last year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.
US Virgin Islands’ D'Amour eliminated in men’s Archery
Nicholas D'Amour of the US Virgin Islands lost 6-4 to Japanese archer Fumiya Saito in the men's individual round of 32 eliminations at the Invalides on Tuesday.
Despite a valiant attempt, D'Amour was defeated by a single point in the last set.
D'Amour demonstrated tremendous skill, leading set 2 with a score of 27-24. The Japanese and D'Amour tied sets 1 and 4, with Saito winning sets 3 and 5, defeating the USVI representative by one point in the last set, which determined the outcome.
D'Amour, 22, made his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, becoming the first archer to represent the US Virgin Islands. He was eliminated in the first round in a shootout. In 2021, he finished in the top 10 on several occasions, moving him 196 places into the top five in the world rankings. He is also accredited as the 2022 Vegas Shoot silver medallist.
In an inspiring display of perseverance and national pride, Haitian swimmer Alex Grand'Pierre faced formidable challenges yet delivered a commendable performance in the 100m breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Despite a rigorous internship and limited preparation time, Alex displayed his dedication, finishing fourth in his heat and earning high praise from his coach and sister, Naomy Grand'Pierre, Haiti's first female Olympic swimmer.
His journey to Paris and his resilient spirit on the world stage highlight not only his athletic talent but also his commitment to representing Haiti with honour and distinction.
Naomy, who made history as the first woman to swim for Haiti at the Olympics in Rio 2016, explained the circumstances that affected Alex's performance.
"I think context is the most important thing," she began. "Alexander was interning in New York with the UN and the State Department, so the three months leading up to the Olympics, his training was based in New York. He was using a 25-metre pool and training every day, but when you train in a 25m pool as opposed to a long course pool for a long course race, there are some little details that you're not able to refine and endurance that you're not able to maximize."
Alex's tight schedule also played a role in his preparation. "It's also important to note that because of this internship and the very strict dates, Alexander arrived the morning of the 25th, which was one day before the opening ceremonies. So Alexander was able to get one solid day of training, had a wonderful performance at the opening ceremonies, left the opening ceremonies early, and then his race was in the morning," Naomy explained.
Despite these challenges, she expressed pride in Alex's efforts. "Considering all those outside factors and comparing it to all the other athletes that arrived two weeks before their Olympic races to perform at 100 percent best, this was Alexander's best, considering all the circumstances. So for him to only be a second shy of his best time, he still came fourth in his heat. He's the third fastest Caribbean Olympian. So from all the breaststrokers from the Caribbean islands, he is the third fastest and I think he did a phenomenal job."
Naomy (right) Alex and proud members of the Haitian delegation in Paris.
Naomy emphasized the significance of Alex's participation in the Olympics for her troubled nation. "What Alexander did well is rise to the occasion and understand the significance of his role as an athlete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and it was to represent Haiti at the highest possible level. Him at the opening ceremonies is a direct reflection of that, him before his race, during his race, and after his race is a direct reflection of that."
Looking ahead to the next Olympic Games, Naomy noted areas for improvement. "Under perfect circumstances, I would have loved for Alexander to participate in the pre-Olympic training camp that the head coach of Azura, John Luca, was in charge of. He would have adjusted to the time zone and done all of those things. So there's always room for improvement, and hopefully, in the next Olympic games, he will have all the ideal conditions for him to go a best time."
Alex's experience in Paris also provided valuable lessons. "As soon as he finished his race, he crossed paths with Adam Peaty and was able to take a photo with him. He's like the best breaststroker in the world. So it's moments like that; I think he knows that he's among the best. He was quite literally a symbol of Haitian excellence. And he's aware of the privilege and responsibility that comes with the position that he's in. I think he's taken a very good leadership role with all the Haitian athletes that are here; it's a delegation of seven."
Alex Grand'Pierre and Adam Peaty, who won silver in the final of the 100m breaststroke.
Naomy concluded with praise for Alex's positive influence. "Alexander has been very vocal about how important it is to bring positivity, good vibrations, and good energy for Haiti here in Paris for the world to see. And Alexander has done a beautiful, beautiful job."
Alex, a rising college senior, qualified for the Olympics after winning the 100m breaststroke at the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships last month. He holds Haitian records in the 50, 100, and 200-metre breaststroke and the Bowdoin College records in those distances.
Coming off a successful season in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), where he was named an All-American in the 100m breaststroke at the NCAA Division III championships, Alex has shown promise and resilience as he sets his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
England are on the lookout for a new permanent white-ball coach after Matthew Mott stepped down from his role.
Mott took charge of the one-day set-up in 2022, and led England to glory at that year's T20 World Cup.
However, England failed to retain their crown earlier this year, losing to eventual champions India in the semi-finals.
That came after England had faltered in the 50-over World Cup last year, in which they finished seventh in the group stage.
And Mott, who also oversaw series wins over Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan, has now stepped down from his role.
Mott said: "I am immensely proud to have coached the England men's team; it has been an honour.
"We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.
"I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories.
"Finally, I would like to thank the England fans, who have always backed us and given us fantastic support wherever we have travelled around the world."
Former England international Marcus Trescothick will take over as interim head coach, and will lead the team for September's series against Australia, which includes three T20Is and five ODIs.
Rob Key, England's managing director, confirmed Jos Buttler will stay on as captain.
He said: "On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket and me personally, I would like to thank Mathew for all he has done for the team since his appointment.
"He can be proud of his achievements as he leaves his post as one of only three coaches who have won a men's World Cup with England.
"After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team's future success.
"With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.
"Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Marcus and Jos have a good rapport, and I think their partnership will help us maintain continuity and stability."
A very youthful Jamaican team has settled and hit the ground running in the Dominican Republic as they fine-tune their strokes ahead of the three-day Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship.
The tournament is scheduled for July 31 to August 2 at the Iberostar Golf Course in Bavaro.
Team manager Sebert Walker said that the team, which travelled to the Spanish-speaking Caribbean island on Sunday, had their first of two practice sessions on Monday and that it went well.
He explained that the second practice on Tuesday, will include two new players—Kingston Burke and Kierra Williams—who travelled from the United States to meet up with the team on location.
The full team of male and female players is composed of Aman Dhiman, Oshae Haye, Rocco Lopez, Ryan Lue, Zandre Roye, Jack Stein, Kingston Burke, Mattea Issa, Emily Mayne, and Kierra Williams.
Meanwhile, Jodi Munn-Barrow, president of the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA), has high expectations for the team.
“The Jamaica Golf Association is very pleased with the team that will be representing Jamaica at the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championship. It is quite an historic moment as all the team members are under the age of thirty, including some of our juniors who will be representing us at the junior championship the following week in Kingston,” Munn-Barrow said.
“We know that the members will be playing their hardest. They had an extra practice round today (Monday), and they are really eager and are looking forward to the start of the event. We wish them all the best, and we know that they will make Jamaica proud,” she added.
Jack Grealish said his omission from England's Euro 2024 squad was "the most difficult thing I've ever had to deal with".
Grealish was left out by Gareth Southgate, despite having been a regular in England's set-up since 2021.
The playmaker, who joined City from Aston Villa for £100million after helping England reach the final of Euro 2020, endured a stop-start campaign for Pep Guardiola's team in 2023-24.
Grealish scored three goals and set up a further three in 36 appearances in all competitions for City last season, but injuries and a loss of form meant he often had to settle for a cameo role.
But after missing out on Euro 2024, the 28-year-old has additional motivation to get back to his best.
"I'll be honest it was probably, football-wise, the most difficult thing I've ever had to deal with in my career," Grealish said ahead of City's pre-season clash with Barcelona.
"I was absolutely heartbroken and then obviously when you're on your holidays, wherever I was, every time you turn on the phone or turn on the TV or whatever, you just see it. So it was hard to not to see it.
"For myself now, moving forward, I have to just try to use that as motivation going into this season and try to have the same mentality as I had two years ago.
"In my first season at City I don't think I performed as well as I could and in the second season I played in a lot of the games and that was down to the first season. I had wanted to come back stronger and I certainly did that, so hopefully I can do that again.
"This is my chance to get my fitness, to have a two-week head start and try to be as fit as possible. And I'm playing with confidence. I feel like that's what I need and fingers crossed I can do that."
In Guardiola, however, Grealish feels he has the ideal mentor.
He added: "I always speak to him. I won't go into too much detail about what we speak about because that's between me and him.
"He's been so good for me in the three years I've been here - there’s not too many people better to take advice from. Pep is a master in this game."
Sergio Perez will retain his seat for the back half of the 2024 Formula One season, so says Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
Perez has endured a difficult campaign so far this year. After four podium finishes across the first five races of the season, the Mexican has not finished higher than fourth across the next nine events.
Red Bull have Yuki Tsunoda and the experienced Daniel Ricciardo waiting in the wings, but Horner indicated there will be no change for the second half of the season.
"Checo remains a Red Bull Racing driver, despite all the speculation of late," Horner told Dutch publication De Telegraaf.
"We look forward to seeing him perform on circuits where he has done well before."
Red Bull lead the way in the constructor standings, while Max Verstappen is the top driver.
However, the team have had a wobble in recent weeks, with Verstappen having gone four races without a win for the first time since 2020.
Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes the Reds have the quality to challenge for the Premier League next season.
Liverpool were part of a three-horse race for top spot for the majority of last season, along with Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, a run of poor results in April saw them drop out of contention, eventually finishing nine points behind Pep Guardiola's side in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge.
Arne Slot has stepped into the German's shoes, having been picked for a similar style of tactics to his predecessor, and questions have been asked whether Liverpool can pick up where they left off under a new manager.
And Leiva, who played for the Reds for 10 years between 2007 and 2017, has backed them to do just that.
"I think Liverpool can challenge against [Manchester] City, against Arsenal," Leiva told Stats Perform.
"Last year, like I said, Liverpool missed out in the last four weeks of the season. Of course, it will be difficult.
"Man City and Arsenal and other teams are getting stronger, and we know how difficult it is to beat Man City. But Liverpool showed last year the quality to challenge with a lot of young players coming through, and it was very positive.
"I don't see why Liverpool could not challenge Man City this year for the Premier League. I think the team is very good, and of course, other players will arrive to help."
Despite the optimism surrounding Liverpool's new manager, there are concerns over whether key players will still be at Anfield come the end of the season.
Mohamed Salah is entering the final year of his contract and has attracted interest from a number of Saudi Pro League clubs.
The Egyptian has scored 211 goals since joining the Reds in 2017, though his Premier League tally of 18 goals was his least prolific season for them, and Leiva thinks he may have a point to prove under the new manager.
"Mo, what a player he has been for the club," Leiva said. "We know that he came under Jurgen, but I think Mo has got a point to prove as well now.
"He will be a very important player, not only on the pitch, but off it as well. On the pitch, he's been amazing, and he's scored a lot of goals. He has been one of the best [players] in the history of the club.
"But with a new manager coming in now, I think he will need the senior players to help the other guys to settle in, even the new manager to settle in. So, Mo will be really important as well off the pitch. And I'm sure that he has many, many good years ahead of him in the Liverpool shirt."
Another Liverpool stalwart entering the final year of his contract is captain Virgil van Dijk, who has been a talismanic presence since joining from Southampton in 2018.
Only four players have made more appearances than his 197 since making the move to Anfield, and Leiva is confident he will not be leaving any time soon.
"I expect Virgil to stay. He's under contract," he added.
"He's the captain of the team. He had a great Euro, and the same as Mo, he will be really important.
"[Arne] is a Dutch manager, so he will play a big part in helping this new team, this new Liverpool team, going forward. Now he's on holiday, and hopefully, he will come back recharged and ready to go."
Trent Alexander-Arnold rounds out the trio with their future up in the air going into the new season.
The right-back, who started in the Liverpool academy in 2004 aged six, has been integral to Liverpool in recent seasons.
He was involved in the most attacking sequences among Liverpool defenders in the league last season (151), and Leiva is adamant the club should make it a priority to keep the home-grown talent.
"I've known Trent since he was 16 years old. He started when I was playing for the club, and at that young age we could see how good he was," Leiva said.
"He's a Liverpool player born in Liverpool. He is what Liverpool means.
"I think it's really important to keep your best players, and Trent is one of them. Like I said, he's a Scouser, and I'm sure that he'll be focusing on helping the team.
"He's a vice-captain of the team. He's grown so much in the last few seasons, and like all the senior players, I think these players now will play a big part in the new team. Helping the young lads coming through, as well as the academy.
"So, of course, with contract talks, you always have speculation, but I think you know it's really important for Trent to stay at the club because it's his home and I know how much it means to him to play for Liverpool."
Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez will not make a decision on his future before Argentina's Olympics campaign is over.
Alvarez has been a useful member of Pep Guardiola's squad over the past two seasons.
However, with Erling Haaland the clear first-choice striker, Alvarez has often had to deputise in an attacking midfield role, particularly as cover for Kevin De Bruyne.
The 24-year-old, who is representing Argentina at the Paris Olympics after he helped his country win the Copa America earlier this summer, is reportedly drawing interest from Atletico Madrid, but he has not yet made a decision on whether he wishes to leave City.
"There is a lot of talk," said Alvarez ahead of Argentina’s clash with Ukraine.
"I am focused here [at the Olympics] because it is a short tournament. At Manchester City I feel very good, I played a lot of minutes.
"But we will see after the Games. First, if I can, I will take a few days off. Then we will decide.
"Maybe it's annoying to be out in big games, players always want to help on the pitch. But my season was good, so I'm very happy."
Alvarez featured in 54 games in all competitions for City last season, more than any other player, though 15 of those were substitute appearances.
He scored 19 goals, outperforming his 17.5 expected goals (xG) while also contributing 13 assists, a tally bettered only by Kevin De Bruyne (17), with just Phil Foden (107) creating more chances than Alvarez (98).
Guardiola is eager to keep Alvarez on board, though conceded there is only so much he can do to keep the player happy.
"I don't think about replacing [him]," Guardiola said.
"I know he wants to play in important moments, but the other players [want that] too.
"We have 18 or 19 players who want to play in the important games.
"I read he has to think about it, so OK, think about it and after that he will inform us what he wants to do."
Emma Raducanu had to fend off jet lag as she overcame Elise Mertens in the first round at the Washington Open.
Making her first appearance since she lost in the last 16 at Wimbledon, Raducanu prevailed 6-2 3-6 6-4 over Mertens, who she also defeated at the All England Club, on Monday.
The 21-year-old elected to skip the Olympics to focus on her hard-court form and prepare for the US Open, which she won in 2021.
Raducanu's Washington campaign started with a stern test against Mertens, with the match dragging on well beyond 11pm local time.
And Raducanu conceded it was a struggle as she grappled with jet lag.
"I was playing some pretty good tennis in patches throughout, especially in the first set and moments in the third set," she said.
"I lost some focus in the second. It's not easy playing at 11:30. I got here Thursday night so I'm still jet-lagged.
"I was telling myself, 'I'm not leaving. This is not happening. You're not losing this match'.
"I've been training and playing so good in practice. I've been really on it. So on the court, I was telling myself: 'You've been so focused for so long. There's no way you're not going to try right now. You're going to fight until the very end. You didn't put all that work in for nothing'."
"I'm happy with how I pulled myself out of it, but I do need to focus."
Lucas Leiva believes Jurgen Klopp's "unique" coaching style would be a perfect fit if he were to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.
Southgate stepped down as Three Lions boss after eight years following their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final earlier this month.
The 53-year-old led England to their first-ever Euros final in 2021 before reaching the showpiece match on foreign soil at a major tournament for the first time in their history.
However, he also became the first manager to lose two consecutive finals in the competition.
During his tenure, he was often accused of being overly cautious at times, despite the team scoring 213 goals during his 102 matches in charge.
Klopp, who ended his nine-year stay at Anfield in May, is one of the names being linked with the vacant job, and former Liverpool midfielder Leiva believes the German would be a success in the role.
"I think his coaching style can adapt to any club, to any national team, because Jurgen, the way he manages, is unique," Leiva told Stats Perform.
"I don't know if he will accept that, because maybe he's having a rest, having a break. But, as a Brazilian, if he gets the English national team, I'll be very worried because I know how he works.
"Of course, with a national team you always have less time to work with the team, and the way he plays, it needs time.
"But, if he gets the English national team, of course I'll be supporting him because he's a fantastic guy, a fantastic manager. And I think his style can be a success."
Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm each hit two home runs, Ben Rice and Anthony Volpe also went deep and the New York Yankees handled the MLB-leading Philadelphia Phillies 14-4 on Monday.
Judge increased his major league-leading totals to 39 home runs and 99 RBIs. Chisholm, who logged his first professional start at third base, went deep for the first time in a Yankees uniform.
Chisholm, who played in his second game for New York since being traded by the Miami Marlins, borrowed Judge’s bat to hit both his home runs.
Juan Soto also had a strong night at the plate, going 3 for 5 while driving in three runs.
Giancarlo Stanton returned from a 28-game absence due to a hamstring strain and was 0 for 4 with a walk and a run scored.
Three of New York’s home runs came off Philly ace Zack Wheeler, who surrendered seven runs and seven hits in five innings’ work as he fell to 10-5.
Luis Gil had a quality start and collected the win after giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts.
The win gave the Yankees their first three-game winning streak since June 9-12 as they remained one game back of the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East.
Tuesday’s game, the second of a three-game set, features an enticing pitching match-up with Gerritt Cole and Aaron Nola slated to start.
Adames, Chourio homer late as Brewers beat Braves
Willy Adames hit a three-run shot in the sixth inning, Jackson Chourio added a two-run homer in the eighth and the Milwaukee Brewers rallied to beat the Atlanta Braves 8-3.
Adames had three hits from the clean-up spot, and his 17th home run of the season gave Milwaukee their first lead of the night after Rhys Hoskins’ solo shot got the Brewers on the board in the fifth.
Marcell Ozuna hit his 31st home run of the season in the fourth inning, and Sean Murphy also went deep for the Braves, who are 3-7 since the All-Star break.
Milwaukee starter Colin Rea only allowed three hits, but two of them were home runs. He pitched 5 1/3 innings with six strikeouts in the no-decision.
Skenes strong again, Pirates lifted by HR in 9th
Paul Skenes continued his dominant rookie season with six strong innings, Michael A. Taylor hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Houston Astros 5-3.
Skenes received a no-decision despite allowing two runs (one earned) and five hits over six innings with six strikeouts, dropping the rookie All-Star’s ERA to 1.90.
The Pirates improved to 9-4 in games started by Skenes. Even after another successful outing, however, the flame-throwing right-hander felt he could have performed better.
“I wasn’t executing, and frankly, got lucky,” Skenes said after the game. “I was trying to find it.”
Taylor stepped to the plate with two on and two out to face Josh Hader in a 2-2 ballgame, sending a fastball over 420 feet into left-centre field for his third home run of the season.
David Bednar converted his 19th save of the season in the bottom half, but only after forcing in a bases-loaded walk to Yordan Alvarez with two outs.
Carlos Alcaraz admitted to struggling with a groin injury but shrugged off any concerns after his second-round win over Tallon Griekspoor at the Olympics.
The Spaniard won in straight sets, 6-1 7-6 (7-3), but had to take a medical timeout partway through the second to receive treatment.
After a comfortable first set, Alcaraz was then pushed all the way to make it into the third round in the men's singles, while he is also competing in the men's doubles with Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz was quick to downplay the injury, noting how he has not let it affect him in recent tournaments, including his Wimbledon win earlier this month.
"It's a problem I've been having since the last few tournaments and I have to pay special attention to that area," Alcaraz said after the match.
"Tennis players have a very demanding schedule, you play more matches and problems arise, but the good thing is that I know how to deal with those discomforts and how to recover.
"It's an area where I've been feeling it for several months, but I've been able to play perfectly in the last few tournaments and this one will be no different."
Alcaraz and Nadal will play Netherlands' Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in doubles on Tuesday before the 21-year-old's third-round meeting with Roman Safiullin later in the week.
Rafael Nadal says he will make a decision on his future when the Olympics are over after suffering a second-round defeat to Novak Djokovic on Monday.
The Spaniard was beaten 6-1 6-4 in straight sets by his long-time rival, though showed fight to come back from 4-0 down to tie 4-4 in the second set before Djokovic saw out the victory.
Nadal has endured another campaign hampered by injuries and is playing in just his seventh tournament of the season after skipping Wimbledon to focus on the Games.
He won Olympic gold in the singles in Beijing in 2008 and the doubles at Rio 2016, but he is without a major title win since 2022, when he won his 14th grand slam at Roland Garros.
And after another early tournament exit, Nadal admitted that the end of his career may be closer than he had hoped.
"When this tournament is over, I will take the necessary decisions based on my feelings and desire," he said.
"For many people, it makes little sense. I have been suffering for two years.
"If I feel that I am not competitive, I will make the decision to stop. I just try my best every single day, trying to enjoy a thing that I have been enjoying for so much time.
"I have been suffering a lot of injuries the last two years. So, if I feel that I am not competitive enough to keep going or physically, I'm not ready to keep going, I will stop and let you know."
Nadal still has a chance to win a medal in Paris in the men's doubles where he is partnered with Carlos Alcaraz.
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