Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have suffered a shock exit from the men’s doubles at the 2024 Olympics.
Nadal and Alcaraz were expected to enjoy a lengthy run at the Olympics, and things were going well after two wins from two.
Alcaraz reacted on Instagram ahead of the quarter-finals, but that is where their journey in the French capital ended.
After beating Andres Molteni and Maximo Gonzalez in round one and Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof in round two, Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram were up next.
And it was the American pairing who came out on top, defeating Alcaraz and Nadal in rather straightforward fashion, 6-2, 6-4.
Carlos Alcaraz says what happened with Rafael Nadal in the locker room after their Olympics loss
It was perhaps a rude awakeing for the two clay court stars, who would have backed themselves to go far.
But it wasn’t meant to be, with Alcaraz now revealing what happened in the locker room after the disappointing loss.
“We talked a little about the match, about what we did wrong and what we should have done,” said Alcaraz, as quoted by Marca. “In the end we are not used to playing doubles and we have been very aware of the opponents.
“When you don’t focus on your game and you focus more on where they are going to position themselves or if they move, you doubt a lot more.”
What next for Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz?
Doubles does, of course, require a different skilset than singles, with both Spaniards having been hugely successful in the latter.
The elder of the pair is the clear King of Clay, although he wasn’t entirely happy in Paris, with Nadal slamming the Olympics super tie break rule.
The 38-year-old can still hold his head high following his efforts on the court, particularly with his recent injury issues.
Alcaraz meanwhile will be eager to return his focus to singles tennis, with the US Open rapidly approaching.
He already boasts the French Open and Wimbledon titles this season, with a stunning third Grand Slam in 2024 certainly on the cards.
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