Americans Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram ended the Paris Olympics run of Spanish stars Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal with a 6-2, 6-4 victory Wednesday.
Seeded fourth, Krajicek and Ram controlled rallies with high-percentage shots while Alcaraz and Nadal made uncharacteristic errors in the early stages. The Americans remained the more consistent team as the match wore on, breaking Alcaraz’s serve to love at 3-3 in the second set.
[ATP APP]Krajicek served out the match at 5-4, beginning that game with a nervy double fault. With a packed crowd vocally supporting the fans’ favourites Alcaraz and Nadal, the American duo kept its cool, fending off three break points to avoid any late drama.
Krajicek aced Alcaraz on match point, painting the sideline with a hefty ad-side slice, which the chair umpire confirmed grazed the line. Alcaraz and Nadal shared a hug before all four players embraced each other at net. Krajicek and Ram will continue their quest for a medal with a semi-final meeting Czechs Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek.
Nadal was later asked in the mixed zone if Wednesday was his final match on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the court on which he has won 14 Roland Garros trophies.
"I'm happy with the love and support I receive here every time I step out on court," the 92-time tour-level titlist said in Spanish. "I don't know if this was the last time. Possibly, yes. One stage has ended for me. My objective was to focus on the Olympic Games and afterwards I'd have to decide, and that's what I will do. Now I go home and rest and disconnect a bit. When I have [a clear mind], I will take the decision of what the next stage will be for me."
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz embrace after their quarter-final loss. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images
The 21-year-old Alcaraz wrote in Spanish on X: "Thank you very much Rafa for this week and for sharing the court with me playing for Spain! It wasn't possible today, but I'm taking a lot of things with me for the future! It has been very special! ❤️"
Alcaraz, making his Olympics debut this fortnight, advanced to the singles quarter-finals earlier in the day with a straight-sets win against Roman Safiullin. Nadal fell in the second round to longtime rival Novak Djokovic.
Muchas gracias Rafa por esta semana y por haber compartido pista conmigo jugando por 🇪🇸! Hoy no ha podido ser, pero me llevo un montón de cosas para el futuro! Ha sido muy especial! ❤️ @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/qkF46dslVf
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 31, 2024[NEWSLETTER FORM]