Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal ended his Paris Olympics with a loss in men’s doubles. The match may become the 38-year-old player’s final contest at the French Open venue. He previously announced his intention to retire at the end of this season.
The Spanish pair of Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz faced off with Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram of the United States on Wednesday in the quarterfinals at Roland-Garros.
Nadal and Alcaraz lost the first set, 2-6, failing to beat the powerful serves and net plays of the American duo who specialize in doubles. They also lost the second set 4-6, ending the match with a 0-2 defeat.
After the game, Nadal embraced his 21-year-old teammate and waved at spectators.
Nadal had earlier lost in men’s singles in the second round. After the defeat in doubles, Nadal, speaking in Spanish, told reporters that one stage has ended for him.
He also said playing the match was an unforgettable feeling and that people gave him constant love and support, and it was super special to feel that.
The Spaniard said his objective had been “to focus on the Olympic Games and afterwards I’d have to decide, and that’s what I will do.” He added, “I don’t know what is going to happen in the future, but if that’s the last time I enjoyed it.”
Nadal is popular in France and served as a torch bearer in the opening ceremony of the Paris Games. He is known for his powerful spins and stamina, and demonstrated his overwhelming strength on the red clay court where rallies tend to become longer.
He has a record 14 championship victories in the French Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, and is nicknamed the “King of Clay.”