Carlos Alcaraz may have been disappointed about failing to win a gold medal with Rafael Nadal but highlighted that having a chance to play doubles with his idol at such a big event was “an unbelievable experience” and something “unforgettable.”
On Wednesday evening, Alcaraz and Nadal’s Olympic dream came to an end after fourth-seeded Americans Austin Krejicek and Rajeev Ram claimed a 6-2 6-4 win in their quarterfinal match.
Before losing to Krajicek and Ram – one of the more experienced doubles players on the Tour – Alcaraz and Nadal beat Argentina’s Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni, as well as Dutch pair Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof.
“It was an unbelievable experience for me. It’s something I will never forget, that’s for sure — playing on the same side of the net (as) Rafa. I tried to enjoy every single second that we played together,” Alcaraz reflected after the match.
Alcaraz on not winning it all with Nadal
Going into this year’s tennis events at the Olympics, one of the most biggest storylines was Alcaraz and Nadal playing doubles together in the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s possible farewell. And it was not a secret that many were rooting for the Spanish superstar duo to win it all.
“I’m a little disappointed right now. Obviously we wanted to keep going. We wanted to get the win and give us a chance to fight for a medal,” Alcaraz noted.
Meanwhile, Nadal confirmed after their loss that his US Open participation was highly uncertain and also admitted that he may never again return as a pro to Roland Garros.
“If that’s the last time (here) for me, it’s an unforgettable feeling and emotions. They give me the love and support every single second that I have been on court,” Nadal said.
It’s super, super special to feel that, particularly in this place. So I can’t really thank all of them enough for giving me the feelings I have inside myself and the emotions they make me feel,” he continued. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but if that’s the last time, I enjoyed it.”
