Paris 2024 Olympics: Fritz/Paul beat Murray/Evans in QFs; Krajicek/Ram reach gold medal match
Team USA is guaranteed a tennis medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and just one match stands between a potential all-American men's doubles final after Thursday's play.
Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul defeated the British duo of Andy Murray and Daniel Evans, 6-2, 6-4, to advance to the semifinals on Day 6 at Roland Garros—but not before Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram booked their place in the gold medal match with a 6-2, 6-2 win against Czechs Tomas Machac and Adam Pavlasek. Neither of the American men's doubles teams has lost a set this week.
In singles quarterfinal action, Paul was turned back by reigning Roland Garros champ Carlos Alcaraz, 6-3, 7-6(7).
Fritz/Paul knock Murray out of farewell tournament
Comeback kings Murray and Evans saved seven match points in their first two Olympic wins, and they fought off another against Fritz and Paul on Thursday. But after the Britons charged back from 5-2 down in the second set, Fritz delivered a strong final service game to seal the win for Team USA.
"That's why we tried really hard to be up the double break," Fritz said. "We were just like whatever. Both of us know, it's just a better combo with me serving and Tommy at net, rather than him serving and me at net. We feel pretty comfortable serving that one out in the last game."
The Americans succeeded with first-strike tennis on both serve and return, ripping 16 winners in the match and dropping serve just once, when Paul was broken in his attempt to serve out the victory.
But the win was bittersweet, as it also meant the end of Murray's legendary career.
"Obviously we want to win. We were pumped up to win. But it is sad to see it end for Andy," Fritz said. "He's someone that I think both of us have looked up to for a very long time. He's a great guy. So I guess I don't take a lot of pride in doing it. But we're here to try and win a medal."
Next up for the Americans is a Friday semifinal showdown against Aussies Matthew Ebden and John Peers. With the help of Bob and Mike Bryan, the singles stars are confident they can continue their doubles dominance.
"They're obviously crazy good doubles minds, and they're just good vibes all around," Paul said of the impact of the Bryan brothers. "They've shifted a couple of things. We did one doubles practice, honestly. We didn't do too much. But they've talked to us about strategy. I've never actually gone into a doubles match with any sort of strategy at all. So it's kind of cool going into doubles matches with an idea in your head. They're kind of telling me where to be a little bit. They're giving me a full coaching, so it's a different kind of doubles experience for me."
Krajicek/Ram cruise into final
After the pageantry and drama of their quarterfinal win against Spain's Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal on Wednesday night, Krajicek and Ram earned their most comprehensive victory of the week, dropping just four games against Machac and Pavlasek.
Following a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, the Americans are assured of at least a silver medal in Paris.
"It's great. It's a hard feeling to explain, until you get there," said Krajicek. "I thought we played a really good match today after the quick turnaround last night. Not always easy playing on a big court like that last night and an emotional win, to come back and play great the next day. So I thought we managed that really well. And we'll have a day to rest now and then be back ready to play on Saturday."
While Krajicek is set to earn his first Olympic medal, Ram is seeking his first gold. The 40-year-old took home a silver medal in mixed doubles at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, alongside Venus Williams.
"I obviously ended up with a medal, but it was one of the toughest losses I took," he said of the Rio final. "You play for that gold medal, and when it's so close, you don't have it... and also, as [Austin] said, you never know if you get a chance again. So I'm pretty happy that I have that opportunity and we're going to absolutely give it our all."
With a day off before Saturday's gold medal match, Krajicek and Ram are rooting for Fritz and Paul to set up an all-American final.
"That would be amazing. We'd love to see that," said Krajicek. "We'll see how it unfolds the next couple days. But we get a day off tomorrow to rest up and then we'll be ready, no matter who we play, for sure."
Related Articles
-
Davis Cup FinalsNovember 21, 2024An experienced Australian team defeated the United States in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals Thursday in Malaga, Spain, behind a decisive doubles victory. Read More
-
WTA Player AwardsNovember 20, 2024Coco Gauff, Taylor Townsend, Amanda Anisimova, Emma Navarro and Danielle Collins were all nominated for 2024 WTA Player awards on Wednesday. Read More
-
Davis Cup previewNovember 20, 2024The United States Davis Cup Team begins its ultimate quest for a 33rd championship on Thursday at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, Spain, against a formidable Australian team. Read More