Legendary tennis player Rafael Nadal’s campaign in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 came to an end on Wednesday (July 31) after he suffered a defeat in the men’s doubles match. One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Nadal had joined hands with his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz for the Olympics this year, but the Spaniards failed to win the top prize.
After an early end to his campaign, Nadal shared a post on Instagram where he thanked Alcaraz for the adventure.
“Thank you Carlos Alacaraz for these days that have been fantastic in so many ways. Unforgettable experience with you and the whole team,” he wrote in the post.
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Nadal and Alcaraz lost the doubles quarterfinal match with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-4 to the USA’s Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram. The American duo was fourth-seeded for the sporting extravaganza. Court Philippe Chatrier was the host venue for the doubles event quarterfinals. It is the same stadium where Nadal won 14 French Open titles, a major chunk of his 22 Grand Slams.
The crowd at the court roared and sang to support Nadal and Alcaraz as they tried to stave off defeat in the final but eventually succumbed to the Americans.
Overwhelmed by the crowd support, Nadal thanked the city in his post. He wrote, “A big thank you to Paris, to France. Magnificent JJ0O with memories that will remain in my heart.”
While Nadal’s Olympic journey came to an early end, 22-year-old Alcaraz is still in the race to win a gold medal in the men’s single event. The youngster defeated Tommy Paul of the USA in the quarterfinal match on Thursday. He will now lock horns with Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime in the semi-finals on August 2.
Wishing his compatriot the very best for the upcoming clash, Nadal wrote, “And now the most important thing; come on Carlos, go for the medal, you are closer after today’s victory, you can get it. We are all with you.”
Nadal also mentioned that he would now head home and take some time off to think about what he would do next. “Now it’s time to go back home, enjoy some holidays and think about what’s next. For those of you who will start holidays like me, enjoy!”
Nadal turned 38 in June. Being in the twilight of his professional career, it is quite likely that the Spaniard won’t be continuing for long. Adding to his troubles are the injury setbacks he has suffered in the last few years. While he hasn’t officially announced anything about his retirement, the doubles event with Alcaraz in Paris was quite likely his last event at the Olympic Games.
Catch Paris Olympics 2024 Day 7 LIVE Updates Here. Stay updated with the latest from Olympics 2024. Explore India At Paris Olympics 2024 Today. Check the updated list of medal tally for Paris Olympics 2024. Check Paris Olympics 2024 Event Results.
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