Alcaraz, Djokovic and Sweated advance in Olympic singles.
Image caption,Carlos Alcaraz advanced in the singles, but went out of the doubles where he had been partnering Rafael Nadal
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz has joined Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the Olympic men’s singles quarter-finals.
But Alcaraz and French Open champion Rafael Nadal were beaten in the men’s doubles by USA’s Austin Kra jock and Rajeev Ram – losing 6-2 6-4.
French Open champion Alcaraz defeated Russian Roman Sailing, who is competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, 6-4 6-2.
Earlier, Djokovic beat Germany’s Dominik Kiefer 7-5 6-3 in very humid conditions, as the Serb continues his quest for the Olympic men’s singles gold that has so far eluded him.
“I’m soaking wet,” Djokovic said moments after his win. “It’s a very, humid day. I just hope it rains so it cools down the temperature a bit and the air.
“But it is what it is. You have to kind of accept and embrace the conditions and it’s the same for you and your opponents, so you have to try to make the best out of it.”
Video caption,Highlights: Nadal and Alcaraz knocked out of men’s doubles
French Open finalist Alexander Zverev overcame a spirited start by Australia’s Alexei Pouring to reach the last eight.
The quarter-final line-up also includes Greece’s Stefan’s Tsotsi Pass, Canada’s Felix , Italy’s Lorenzo Musettes, Norway’s Casper Ruud and the USA’s Tommy Paul.
French Open women’s champion IGA Sweater went through – having been tested in her quarter-final. She was leading 6-1 2-6 4-1 when the USA’s Danielle Collins retired in the deciding set.
Germany’s three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber’s career finally came to an end, after losing to China’s Zhang Qinwen you 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (8-6).
“I’ve achieved everything I dreamed of,” Kerberos said.
“I was number one, won Grand Slams, won a [silver] medal in Rio, so what more could you want in the end?”
Kerber triumphed at the 2016 Australian and US Opens before claiming the Wimbledon title two years later.
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