Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of winning an Olympic medal in men’s doubles were dashed when they lost in the quarter-finals against fourth-seeded Americans Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.
The Spanish duo were one of the highlights of the Roland Garros tennis tournament, and another sold-out audience applauded them on beneath the dome on Court Philippe-Chatrier. However, they met their match when Krajicek and Ram, two of the top doubles players in the world, demonstrated their brilliance to win 6-2, 6-4.
Nadal has been tight-lipped about his future plans, but this could be his final trip to Paris. He then announced that he is unlikely to play the US Open, delivering the biggest clue yet that his career may be coming to an end.
When asked if he would travel to the United States, where events leading up to the US Open are already underway, the 38-year-old replied, “It looks like not, but I’ll let you know soon.” I can’t give you a clear response right now; I need some time. But, to me, it seemed impossible.”
When asked about his relationship with Alcaraz, Nadal placed even more doubt on his future. “If my age will be 10 years less, we’re going to create a beautiful relationship on court and we’re going to share a lot of beautiful moments together,” added the player.
“But it won’t happen. We’ll see if I continue playing the regular tour. But, of course, I shall be rooting for him from home and wishing him all the best every time. I adore tennis, whether I play or not.”
Nadal has signed up for the Laver Cup in Berlin in September, and two years after Roger Federer bid farewell at the Ryder Cup-style event, there is a chance his great adversary will follow suit.
“It was disappointing to not bring back a medal for Spain but that’s it,” Nadal told reporters afterwards. “I gave it my all every minute I was on the floor, but it wasn’t enough to help us meet our goals. If that’s the last time, the mood and emotions are unforgettable.”
Alcaraz had previously remained on track for a gold medal match against Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles when both reached the quarterfinals.
Djokovic defeated Germany’s Dominik Koepfer 7-5, 6-3, despite the heat and humidity. He is the first player in the modern period to reach the quarterfinals in singles in four different Olympics, however he has yet to reach the final and has only one bronze medal.
“Bringing a medal to Serbia’s always a big goal of mine; has been since my first Olympic Games in Beijing, where I managed to get my only medal so far,” Djokovic mentioned. “I had actually some really good Olympic Games but that semi-final hurdle was, three out of four times, tough for me to go through.”
Alcaraz, meanwhile, became the youngest man to reach the final eight since Djokovic in 2008, defeating Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-2.
Djokovic will next play eighth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, while Alcaraz will face American Tommy Paul in a rematch of their Wimbledon quarterfinal. Lorenzo Musetti of Italy, meanwhile, repeated his SW19 upset by defeating Taylor Fritz, the seventh seed, 6-4, 7-5.
Andy Murray may be clinging on, but Angelique Kerber suffered a heartbreaking 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6) defeat to China’s Zheng Qinwen in the women’s quarterfinals.
Kerber’s run to the last eight in Paris was her best result of the year. After returning from maternity leave in January, the 36-year-old announced her retirement following the Olympics.
“I’ve accomplished everything I dreamed of,” Kerber stated. “I was No. 1, I won Grand Slams, and I earned a silver medal in Rio, so what else could you want in the end? I’m pleased of all I’ve accomplished in my career, including what I’ve done here and on the court.
Zheng is now guaranteed a medal, as is Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, the most unexpected success story here. The 29-year-old is rated 67, but after defeating Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini, she beat SW19 champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-4, 6-2.
The Slovakian’s success is generating quite a stir back home, and she stated, “I still can’t believe that I’m in the semi-finals and among the top four players in the world. The best game of my life is for the Olympics, my nation, and the people around me, so it’s a huge deal. It’s great.
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, the top seeds, were knocked out of the doubles in the second round, losing 2-6, 6-4, 10-5 to the Czechs Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova, but Britain’s Katie Boulter and Heather Watson fared better.
The Team GB pair were impressive 6-3, 6-4 winners against the No 6 seeds, Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia and Luisa Stefani, and will face Italy’s No 3 seeds, Paolini and Sara Errani in the quarter-finals.