Krajicek and Ram put out the 'Nadalcarazmanía'

Fernando Murciego | 31 Jul 2024 | 20.43

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It was not to be. The dream of seeing both Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz advance to the medal contention at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ended this afternoon in the quarterfinals, where a seasoned duo in the discipline like Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram clipped our wings at the gates of heaven (6-2, 6-4). A cold shower that, however, those who knew the Americans were aware could happen, although that does not exempt us from the pain of seeing a highly anticipated chance to secure a medal evaporate just when it had generated the most excitement. Starting tomorrow, the focus will shift to the individual path of the Murcian and the Sorribes-Bucsa's opportunities in the women's doubles.

'Nadalcaraz' phenomenon had gained so much attention at these Olympic Games that everyone was starting to assume the Spanish pair was destined to win a medal. Understandable considering the improvement on the court between their first and second-round performances. However, this Wednesday was a different test. A pair appeared across the net who know what it takes to win Grand Slams in doubles, have been number 1, and also represent the American flag, bringing with them the competitiveness that is always associated with those colors. Undoubtedly, it was the toughest test of the journey, a test of revelation to see if they were truly prepared to win a medal here in Paris.

And the start of the match confirmed that this time the challenge might be too much for us. With an early break, it was evident how the Americans were quite comfortable on the court, breaking Nadal's serve to take the lead in the first set. That advantage wouldn't stop there, as minutes later they would also break Alcaraz's serve. The exchanges bore no resemblance to those of previous rounds: everything was faster, returning was a nightmare, the points much shorter, and a presence at the net where there was no comparison. Well, there was, an American presence. The 6-2 scoreline didn't lie, it showed exactly the gap between the two pairs, so only hard work, perseverance, and a bit of heroism could turn the tide.

WE WERE NEVER CLOSE

The beginning of the second set didn't have as much inequality as the first, with each holding their service games until it reached 3-3. It was there when Alcaraz, with little experience in high-level doubles matches, made a rookie error with a weak game that ended in some controversy over a ball that the Spaniards thought was out but the chair umpire called in. It was the break that ended any hope for our team, the definitive awakening from a dream that has kept us glued to the television for days and that we will never forget. ‘Nadalcaraz’ is out of the medal contention, won't step onto the podium, won't be in the semifinals, but everything they made us feel this week is priceless. That's what we hold onto.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Krajicek y Ram apagan la ‘Nadalcarazmanía’