US Pair Rajeev Ram, Austin Krajicek, End Rafa’s Dream Of Olympic Medal

Photo: Reuters/Claudia Greco

PARIS, (REUTERS/ANI) – Spain’s dream team met its match as Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of an Olympic double’s gold medal were ended by Americans Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek on July 31, the defeat almost certainly Nadal’s Roland Garros farewell.

Their progress had captivated the crowds on the site of Nadal’s mind-boggling 14 French Open singles crowns, but the journey ended in a 6-2 6-4 quarter-final defeat.

“If this was the last time it was an unforgettable feeling and emotions. They gave me love and support every single second and it’s super, super special to feel that” the 38-year-old Nadal told reporters.

“Nadalcaraz”, as they have become known since joining forces, were given raucous support on a rammed Court Philippe Chatrier, the din sounding more like a soccer arena as the fans roared on the Spaniards.

When 2023 French Open doubles winner Krajicek served for the match and went break points down there was pandemonium inside the arena with the umpire struggling to maintain order.

The American fourth seeds somehow kept their cool though and when Krajicek blasted down an ace on match point it was met by almost silent disbelief as the umpire got off her chair to confirm the ball had kissed the white tape.

Nadal began the Games carrying the Olympic flame in the opening ceremony but ended it without the third gold medal he craved on what could be his final bow on the Parisian clay.

In truth Nadal and Alcaraz could have few complaints as they came up against a well-drilled partnership with the 40-year-old Ram, a four-times Grand Slam men’s doubles champion, superb throughout with razor-sharp net play.