Spain’s dream pair met its equal when Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s aspirations of an Olympic doubles gold medal were destroyed by American combination Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek on Wednesday.
Their progress had fascinated the audience at Roland Garros where Nadal won a mind-boggling 14 French Open singles trophies but their journey was stopped in a 6-2 6-4 quarterfinal defeat.
“Nadalcaraz”, as they have become known since joining forces for the Paris Games, were given loud backing by a jam-packed Court Philippe Chatrier, at times the din sounding more like a soccer arena as the supporters yelled for the Spaniards.
When 2023 French Open doubles winner Krajicek served for the match and went break points down there was mayhem inside the arena with the umpire battling to maintain order.
The American fourth seeds somehow held their calm though and when Krajicek sent down an ace on match point it was met by almost silent surprise with the umpire stepping from her chair to confirm the ball had kissed the white tape.
Nadal, 38, began the Games carrying the Olympic flame in the opening ceremony, but concludes them without the third gold medal he coveted on what could be his final bow on the Parisian clay.
As Nadal hobbled out following the guy who has replaced him as a power in tennis, spectators snapped photos on their phones.
“For me personally it was disappointing to not bring back a medal for Spain,” Nadal told reporters. “I tried my hardest in every single minute I was on court but it was not enough.
“If this was the last time it was a memorable feeling and emotions. They provided me the love and support every single second and it’s extremely, super nice to feel that.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but if that’s the last time I enjoyed it.”
Nadal also claimed he did not sure if he will participate in the US Open after the Olympics.
“I can’t give you a clear answer, I need some time but for me it looks difficult.”
SPECIAL ATMOSPHERE
Krajicek stated it had been fantastic to be part of the mood, even if he played a significant role in spoiling the script.
“To be in that kind of setting. You’ve got to soak it all in,” he remarked. “I mean, the excitement was through the roof.
“We came here with a mission and we played a great match tonight, but the tournament’s not over.”
In truth Nadal and Alcaraz could have few complaints as they came up against a well-drilled team with the 40-year-old Ram, a four-time Grand Slam men’s doubles champion, excellent throughout with razor-sharp net play.
In their two previous matches in Paris, Nadal and Alcaraz had ridden a wave of support, coming up with some great play to create hopes that they could go all the way.
But this time the 21-year-old Alcaraz, who earlier on Wednesday reached the singles quarterfinals, lacked his typical spark and served successive double faults to effectively hand the Americans the opening set.
There was no coming back this time and Alcaraz dropped serve to love at 3-3 – the Spaniards’ irritation apparent as they contested a line judgment after a searing Ram winner.
Ram and Krajicek face Czech duo Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek for a place in the gold medal match.