Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz's doubles partnership at the Olympics has been immortalized by autograph jerseys with personal messages from both being displayed at Nadal's museum.
The Spanish duo's partnership generated significant attention throughout the Olympics. Tennis at the games was played at Roland-Garros, where Nadal has won an unprecedented 14 French Open titles.
Alcaraz secured his first French Open title at Roland-Garros this year, defeating Alexander Zverev in five sets in the final. Both have been so successful at the venue that many believed a run to the title was possible.
Although Nadal also played in the singles, challenging for a gold medal on his own always seemed unlikely after his numerous physical issues in recent years. He lost in the second round to his old rival, Novak Djokovic.
However, competing for a gold medal in less physical doubles matches with someone of Alcaraz's class by his side seemed more realistic. In the opening round, they defeated the No. 6 seeds, Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni.
The Spaniards backed that up by overcoming the Dutch duo of Wesley Koolhof and Tallon Griekspoor 6-4, 6-7, 10-2 after a battle with several twists and turns. Their chances of claiming a medal seemed strong at that point.
Unfortunately for their numerous fans, the experienced pair of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek were too strong in the quarterfinals. That ended the hopes of one of the most high-profile doubles pairs in tennis history.
Despite not achieving the result they wanted, Alcaraz enjoyed every second of playing with Nadal at the Olympics and said it would stay with him for the rest of his life. He tried to learn as much as possible from his legendary compatriot.
The signed jerseys unveiled at Nadal's academy in Manacor, Mallorca, capture memories from their partnership. Both men signed the jerseys during their time together in Paris.
Each jersey contained a short but heartfelt message. Nadal thanked Alcaraz for helping to create the great memory of representing their country on the biggest of stages at the Olympics.
"Thank you so much Carlos for this great memory."
Alcaraz, knowing the jersey he signed was for Nadal's museum, made that the focus of of his brief message.
"For the Rafa Nadal Museum with love Carlos Alcaraz."
Many fans were devastated when Nadal and Alcaraz lost at the Olympics because they felt that could be the only time they would play doubles together. However, that may not be the case after all.
Nadal is on Spain's Davis Cup team for the final eight, which will be held in November on home soil in Malaga. He and Alcaraz could team up again at least once more in the quarterfinal against the Netherlands and in the semifinal and final if Spain gets there.
That is not guaranteed since Spain has Marcel Granollers, a doubles specialist, in their team. Alcaraz played well with Granollers in the Davis Cup Group Stage, potentially creating a headache for the captain, David Ferrer.
Nadal's presence is also not certain after his physical issues. Hopefully, he is ready to compete when the Davis Cup Finals start in November.
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