British pair Katie Boulter and Heather Watson’s hopes of an Olympic medal were ended by Italian duo Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini in the women’s doubles quarter-finals.
Boulter and Watson lost 6-3 6-1 to the third seeds in a tough match during which they had few opportunities.
The Britons have gelled superbly this week, beating some notable opponents to reach the last eight.
But Errani and Paolini, who were French Open runners-up on the same Roland Garros clay little over seven weeks ago, proved a different proposition.
Asked what makes the Italians so good, Watson, 32, said: “They don’t miss. They make barely any unforced errors but they play such aggressive tennis at the same time.
“It’s really difficult to play them. They are a really great team.”
Boulter, playing on her 28th birthday, said the enjoyment the British pair have had throughout the week remained on show even in defeat.
“This will definitely go up as a highlight in my career without a doubt – especially alongside [Watson],” she said.
“We’ve had a great time and I really do cherish these moments the most. Playing with that flag is something you can’t compete with.”
