Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz took down a pair of very experienced doubles players in round one at the Paris Olympics, but asking them to do it a second time in the quarterfinals proved to be too much.
Facing a legitimate gold-medal contender in the American duo of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, the Spaniards lost 6-2, 6-4 on Wednesday afternoon. Nadal already exited in singles at the hands of Novak Djokovic, so this was likely his last-ever appearance at Roland Garros.
For Alcaraz, the Games will continue in the singles quarterfinals on Thursday. The world No. 3 secured his spot in the last eight by beating Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-2 earlier on Wednesday. Alcaraz almost doubles his unforced error count (11) with winners (21) and broke Safiullin four times while advancing in one hour and 30 minutes.
Up next for the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion is Tommy Paul, who defeated Corentin Moutet in straight sets. Alcaraz beat Paul after trailing by a set and break at the All-England Club earlier this summer.
Other quarterfinal matchups are Novak Djokovic vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Alexander Zverev vs. Lorenzo Musetti.
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no surprise that the Americans were too good
They lost to a very experienced doubles pairing. I will not be surprised or disappointed if AnDan lose to a similar. However, if Balding gushes over Andy one more time, my TV will be hurtled through the window. And, she’s bloody everywhere!
Haha Margot!! I do enjoy your dislike of Balding. Absolutely justified I might add. She is insufferable…
If I had hair Id be pulling it out . Clues in the name .