'It was the tension of a big match' - Carlos Alacaraz speaks on loss to Djokovic at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz

TENNIS 'It was the tension of a big match' - Carlos Alacaraz speaks on loss to Djokovic at Roland Garros

Funmilayo Fameso 19:44 - 09.06.2023

Carlos Alcaraz opened up on his loss to Novak Djokovic in their semifinal clash at Roland Garros.

Tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has finally spoken about his loss to Novak Djokovic in their semifinal clash at the Roland Garros.

The world No.1 showed his supremacy and experience over Alcaraz, outclassing the youngster 3-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 to reach a seventh career final in Paris.

Alcaraz lasted physically for just the first two sets and began cramping early in the third set till the end, which dampened the match and put a sad ending to what was a great beginning.

Carlos Alcaraz speaks on his cramp and loss to Djokovic at Roland Garros
Carlos Alcaraz receiving treatment after cramping early in the third set

Speaking in a post-match press conference, the young Spaniard spoke about his disappointment and the cramp he developed during the match.

“It’s been tough. I disappointed myself. Came into this match feeling great physically and this happened," said Alcaraz.

He continued by stating his arms started cramping at the end of the second set and then the full body in the third set, a situation he thinks was down to being tense.

"I think it was the tension of a big match,” he said.

Alcaraz has always declared his admiration for the Big 3 of Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. In his words, "If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best."

With Federer retired and Nadal out due to an injury, Alcaraz's first big test against the Big 3 was this with Djokovic, and being handed a painful loss in their first match will be a bitter pill to swallow for the US Open champion.

Djokovic has played in 70 Grand Slam tournaments and advanced to his 34th final. A win at the Roland Garros will be his 23rd Slam title.

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