Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz were eliminated from the men’s doubles tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics after losing to Americans Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram with a score of 6-2, 6-4. The American duo, who were the fourth seeds, dominated the match and secured a place in the semifinals, where they will face the Czech team of Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek.

The Spanish team had high expectations for this tournament, but the defeat of Nadal and Alcaraz means that hopes for a men’s doubles medal have vanished. Now, Spain's opportunities in Olympic tennis depend on Alcaraz in the men’s singles and the women’s doubles team of Sara Sorribes and Cristina Bucsa, who are also close to reaching the semifinals.

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The match against Krajicek and Ram highlighted the difficulties Nadal and Alcaraz faced in adapting to the doubles game, a format in which they have little experience together. Despite their individual talent, they could not coordinate well enough to overcome a well-established and specialized doubles pair like the Americans. Additionally, Alcaraz entered the match physically drained from a previous singles encounter, affecting his performance.

After being convincingly defeated by Novak Djokovic in the singles tournament, Nadal saw the doubles as a final chance to add another achievement to his illustrious career. However, the lack of doubles experience was evident, and despite their efforts, they could not advance Spain to the semifinals. The farewell at the Phillipe Chatrier court was emotional, with a supportive crowd aware that this might be Nadal's last Olympic appearance.

The defeat leaves Paris without the presence of Rafael Nadal, an iconic figure in tennis who has maintained a special relationship with the city and the Roland Garros tournament, where he has won fourteen titles. At 38 years old, Nadal faces the challenges of time and health, and although he has not officially announced his retirement, his words and gestures suggest that the end of his career is near. The elimination in doubles alongside Alcaraz could be one of his last Olympic participations, marking the end of an era.

Americans Krajicek and Ram, meanwhile, continue their path toward medals with a solid and experienced performance. As an established doubles team, their play was too strong for the Spaniards, who, despite their individual quality, could not break the consistency of their rivals. With this victory, the Americans advance with confidence, while Spain reflects on the end of a hopeful but ultimately curtailed participation in the quarterfinals.