Carlos Alcaraz thanks Rafael Nadal for sharing court in heart-warming message after exit; Nadal urges him to 'go for gold' at Paris Olympics
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal faced defeat against the USA in the men's doubles quarterfinal at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday (July 31). The Spanish duo thanked each other in heartwarming messages after their exit.
Alcaraz and Nadal were a fan-favorite duo participating in the Olympic Games. Each point earned by the Spaniards was cheered by the Roland Garros crowd as they won their first two matches together.
However, coming up against a specialized doubles team of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek, the first-time Spanish duo was an underdog. They were broken twice in the first set as the Americans won it 6-2. In the second set, they were broken once and Krajicek served for the set at 5-4.
The atmosphere at the Court Philippe-Chatrier was astonishing as the crowd cheered for the Spaniards to earn a break and keep their campaign alive. Nadal and Alcaraz, however, were unable to convert their breakpoints as Ram and Krajicek advanced to the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-4 win.
The Spanish duo hugged and consoled each other as soon as they suffered the final blow. They felt the love of the crowd for the final time together and left court. Following the exit, Alcaraz took to Instagram to thank Nadal for sharing the court with him. He posted an image with Nadal, writing:
"Thank you very much Rafa for this week and for having shared the track with me playing for [Spain]! Couldn't be today, but I'm taking a lot of things for the future! It was very special! ❤️"
Nadal uploaded Alcaraz's post on his Instagram Story and wrote:
"Thanks to you Carlos Alcaraz. Go for gold! We are with you"
Nadal lost against Novak Djokovic 6-1, 6-4 in the second round of the singles event. With the loss in the doubles event, Nadal's final Olympics campaign has come to a close. However, Alcaraz remains a medal contender in singles. He will take on Tommy Paul in the quarterfinal on Thursday, August 1.
"My childhood dream of playing with Rafa has come true" - Carlos Alcaraz on partnership with Rafael Nadal at Paris Olympics
Following their exit from the Paris Olympics, Carlos Alcaraz reflected on the 'beautiful story' of competing with Rafael Nadal. The 21-year-old idolizes Nadal and it was his childhood dream to play with him that came true.
"I am a little disappointed by the fact that we will not continue competing together, that this beautiful story has ended here," Alcaraz told the media.
"It has been a wonderful experience with unforgettable moments. My childhood dream of playing with Rafa, of learning from him closely, has come true. We will try to focus on the positive things and the truth is that it has been a wonderful experience," he added.
Nadal was also all praise for his young teammate who he feels can become one of the greatest players in tennis history.