Rafael Nadal in emotional hug with Alcaraz as they go OUT of Olympics 2024 despite crowd trying to put off opponents
RAFAEL NADAL and Carlos Alcaraz have been knocked out of the men’s doubles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Spanish duo were beaten 6-2, 6-4 by American pair Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in the quarter-finals.
An ace from Krajicek sealed victory on their second match, leaving the crowd in a stunned silence.
Meanwhile, Nadal and Alcaraz shared an emotional hug as their exit was confirmed.
It came after the crowd had even attempted to put off their opponents throughout the match.
During the final game, spectators could be heard shouting as Krajicek and Ram were trying to serve.
They also went wild following a double fault, with the umpire trying desperately to calm down the crowd during the final game.
Nadal had been competing at what is expected to be his final Olympics after hinting he could retire at the end of the year.
As a result, it will likely be the last time he graces the Philippe Chatrier court having dominated the French Open during his career.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner has a record 14 titles at Roland Garros.
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Nadal is a two-time gold medallist across his three previous Olympic Games.
He won the singles at Beijing 2008, where he also lost the bronze medal match to Kei Nishikori.
The 38-year-old followed it up with a men’s doubles gold in 2016 as he partnered Marc Lopez to glory in Rio.
Nadal earlier appeared in the men’s singles in Paris, losing to Novak Djokovic in the second round on Monday.
Speaking after his defeat to Djokovic, Nadal admitted: “When this tournament is over, I will take the necessary decisions based on my feelings and desire.
“It is difficult to recover if I am thinking about whether I retire.”
Alcaraz remains in medal contention on his Olympic debut, though, having also been in singles action earlier on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Roman Sadfiullin in straight sets to book a last eight clash against Tommy Paul of the USA.
Meanwhile, Krajicek and Ram will face Czech pair Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek in the semi-finals.
Seven bizarre moments you might have missed from the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony
PARIS 2024’s epic four-hour long Opening Ceremony provided some spectacular, X-rated… and downright bizarre moments.
Here are some of SunSport’s highlights.
Lady Gaga wowed the crowd by the River Seine as sang a cabaret set… in FRENCH.
But it didn’t go to plan for one poor dancer who FELL OFF the stage.
Fans watching on TV were left in stitches by some of the dad dancing on show.
And one dancer gave a BILLION fans viewing worldwide far more than they bargained for with an Inbetweeners-style X-rated wardrobe mishap.
In the UK, BBC viewers were all switching over to Eurosport when they found out who was hosting.
Fans were stunned to see a forgotten Premier League winner as his nation’s flag-bearer on the Seine procession.
While some viewers were worried Serena Williams was going to THROW UP during a very choppy boat ride with the Olympic torch.