Alcaraz and Nadal fall to Americans in Olympic tennis doubles, social media reacts
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The “Nadalcaraz” dream is over.
Spanish tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcarez fell to Americans Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in straight sets (6-2, 6-4) in the men’s tennis doubles quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Games.
Nadal – known as the “King of Clay” for his 14 titles at the French Open – and Alcaraz – the reigning French Open champion – seemed a formidable pair in this year’s Olympics doubles tournament. Though neither player has the same prowess in doubles as he does in singles, Nadal won the gold in the doubles tournament at the 2016 Rio Games, and the duo had taken care of business in their first two matches.
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Where the Spaniards were lacking in experience, the Americans slot into the opposite end of the spectrum. Krajicek and Ram are each former world No. 1 players in doubles tennis, and they each looked the part in the win over Nadal and Alcaraz.
The Americans, who finished fourth in the 2020 Tokyo Games, advance to the semifinals once again for another shot at reaching the gold medal match.
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Social media reacts to Nadal/Alcaraz loss to Americans
This user wrote: “This is the worst day for Spanish sport that I remember. I can’t believe what happened to Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. Total and absolute drama. I feel sunken.”
Translated: “Unless something crazy happens, this is the last time that we’re going to see Nadal and Alcaraz together in doubles. I’m fortunate to have been alive to see it, but the outcome was horrific. I feel more than sunken.”
This user said: “These doubles with Rafa and Carlos were unforgettable. This defeat really hurts. I don’t believe I’m the only one that would have traded all the medals won in these Olympic Games for a gold for Nadal and Alcaraz. A week to remember…”
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