Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz fell short in the Olympics doubles (Image: Getty)
Rafael Nadal has sent a touching message to Olympics doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz after being dumped out in Paris. The Spanish super-duo, who tennis fans were keen to see win the competition, lost to Team USA pair Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in the quarter-final.
Nadal is out of the Games after what could be the King of Clay’s final appearance at Roland Garros. But Alcaraz remains in the singles and could win a medal.
The Wimbledon champion faces Switzerland’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-final today. Nadal, who won gold in Beijing in 2008, has encouraged the 21-year-old to seal a medal for Spain.
Nadal wrote on X: “Thank you @carlosalcaraz for these days that have been fantastic in many ways. Unforgettable experience with you and the entire team. And, now, the most important thing; Let’s go Carlos for the medal, you are closer after today’s victory, you can get it. We are all with you!”
Meanwhile, Nadal is unsure over his own future. The 38-year-old has staged a remarkable comeback this year, having previously not played for 12 months due to a series of injuries.
Having been keen to focus on the Olympics, Nadal has not announced a decision on what he will do next. He surprised many at the French Open by insisting that he could continue to play for a little longer, after previously insinuating that 2024 would be his final year on tour.
Nadal said: “I don’t know if this was the last time [at Roland Garros]. Possibly, yes. One stage has ended for me: my objective was to focus on the Olympic Games and afterwards I’d have to decide, and that’s what I will do.
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“Now I go home and rest and disconnect a bit. When I have [a clear mind], I will take the decision of what the next stage will be for me. See how much desire I have, how I feel about things, the inner strength I have to make one decision or another.”
Unpacking the specifics of his impending decision, Nadal continued: “I have total freedom, and I think I have tried hard throughout my life, to make the decision how and when I feel it.
“In that sense, I am a fairly calm person and I need my time. When I know what my next step is, I will let you know, but right now my next step is to go back home, spend time with my family and relax.”