Carlos Alcaraz opens up on racquet smash in Cincinnati – ‘Worst I’ve ever played, couldn’t control myself’
In one of the biggest surprises of the season thus far, Carlos Alcaraz lost to Gael Monfils in the final 32 of the Cincinnati Open. Even so, it wasn’t the major topic of conversation after the Spaniard lost his composure and smashed his racquet four times on the court during the last set. Subsequently, Alcaraz expressed his dissatisfaction at not being able to find a form against the seasoned Frenchman, saying that he “couldn’t control” himself.
Alcaraz said of his smashed racquet and Monfils’ loss, “Worst I’ve played.”
In Cincinnati, Carlos Alcaraz lost to Gael Monfils and acknowledged that he “couldn’t control” himself. The Spaniard talked about the incident in which he broke his racquet four times on the court.
Alcaraz found it difficult to get beyond the 37-year-old Monfils throughout their match in Ohio, a crucial warm-up match before the US Open.
Alcaraz talked about the incident that happened in the third set after falling behind 3-1 in his post-match news conference.
“There were moments when I felt like smashing the racquet,” the Spaniard admitted. It never happened before since I was usually able to maintain self-control in those kinds of situations and emotions, and things may have gone better in the matches or in the previous situation.”Like I mentioned, I felt like I wasn’t really playing tennis, so I lost all self-control this time. I found it to be incredibly aggravating at one point. “I want to leave the court,” I said. I want to stop playing on the court.That being said, it was a truly painful moment for me. It was, in my opinion, one of those instances where a player—or a lot of players—cannot manage themselves at any point in their careers.
Alcaraz said that one of the reasons he was having trouble finding any rhythm was the Cincinnati venue’s Center Court surface.
“It was really, really tough for me,” he stated. It seemed to be the worst match I had ever played in my professional career. I really couldn’t play.I’ve been practicing a lot for this competition. I was feeling really well the days before; I was moving well and hitting the ball clearly.
“I think my impression was that it was a different sport being played on the Center Court than it was on the other courts. In comparison to other courts, the balls bounced much, much more quickly on the Center Court.Yes, it was a completely different feeling when I warmed up before the game. I’m not sure why. And, to be really honest, I have no idea what happened.I’m not sure why I felt this way, but I really couldn’t stop myself. I’m simply the best. That’s why it was impossible to win this match.”
On August 26, Flushing Meadows, New York, will host the US Open.
