Spain’s dream team met its match as Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of an Olympic doubles gold medal were ended by American duo Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek on Wednesday (July 31).
Their progress had captivated the crowds at Roland Garros where Nadal won 14 French Open singles crowns but their journey was ended in a 6-2 6-4 quarter-final defeat.
“Nadalcaraz”, as they have become known since joining forces for the Paris Games, were given raucous support by a jam-packed Court Philippe Chatrier, at times the din sounding more like a soccer arena as the fans roared for the Spaniards.
Nadal, 38, began the Games by carrying the Olympic flame in the opening ceremony, but ends it without the third Olympic gold medal he craved on what could well be his last appearance on his beloved Parisian clay.
