Carlos Alcaraz is in Cincinnati to play his first match on the hard court following his runner-up finish at the Paris Olympics. Ahead of his first-round match, Alcaraz reflected on the tournaments he had played in the last couple of months.
Alcaraz, who had clinched just the Indian Wells earlier this year, bagged his first Grand Slam title at the French Open with a five-set win over Alexander Zverev in the final. Following the Roland Garros, Alcaraz claimed his third trophy by beating seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in the final at the SW19.
The 21-year-old met Djokovic again in the summit clash of the Paris Olympics and the result was different, for the Serb finally added the elusive gold to his trophy cabinet with a straight-set win over the Spaniard. Alcaraz, in an interview with Eurosport, said these months were physically demanding for him, which is why he decided to recharge his batteries before entering another tournament.
Really, I mean it was really demanding you know. The Roland Garros and Wimbledon playing great matches. I was, probably, down physically with a few pains that I had to care about. And that's why I probably had more days just to recover and not do anything. But yeah, honestly, I'm really pleased about…about the last three tournaments I had.Carlos Alcaraz told Eurosport
🏆 Roland-Garros
🏆 Wimbledon
🥈 Olympic silver medalIt’s been a crazy couple of months for Carlos Alcaraz! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NguXUvldas
— Eurosport (@eurosport) August 13, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz calls playing doubles with Rafael Nadal an unforgettable experience
Rafael Nadal paired up with Carlos Alcaraz for doubles in his possible last Olympics. The Spanish team reached the quarterfinals where the eventual silver medalists, United States’ Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram, defeated them in straight sets. Alcaraz, who has often expressed how his dream of playing with the 22-time Grand Slam champion has come true, said he learned a lot while talking to the 38-year-old on and off the court during their time in Paris.
It was something that I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot about talking to him on court, off the court as well.Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference ahead of his first-round match at the Cincinnati Open
Alcaraz will take on the winner of the match between Gael Monfils and Alexei Popyrin in the Round of 32 on August 15th. After the Cincinnati Open, Alcaraz’s next target will be the US Open, which Nadal will skip as his next tournament post the Paris Olympics is the Laver Cup in September.
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