Carlos Alcaraz won the hearts of tennis fans with a moment of “pure class” after his French Open semi-final defeat against Novak Djokovic.
Facing the press after cramps ruined his French Open semi-final against Novak Djokovic, the young Spaniard had every right to be feeling salty.
A reporter from his homeland sensed an opportunity to drum up some drama.
He quizzed the 20-year-old on the “long” bathroom break Djokovic had taken after Alcaraz had levelled the match by winning the second set.
He also queried Alcaraz about how the Serbian veteran had celebrated during the third and fourth sets – “fist pumps and shouting” – as he feasted on a wounded opponent.
The reporter clearly wanted Alcaraz to heap criticism over Djokovic, who progressed to a final against Casper Ruud where he has the chance to win a record 23rd grand slam title.
But Alcaraz said no mas.
Djokovic places a friendly hand on Alcaraz’s back after his cramping flared early in the third set. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
“Many people may want to create controversy and claim that Novak went to the bathroom to stop the game or break rhythm, but no, not in my case,” he said.
“I don’t believe it influenced anything. The stress from the first game of the match carried over into the second set, and the physical demands Novak placed on me had an impact. Ultimately, I couldn’t hold on physically.
“As for your second question, I don’t blame him for anything. He had to close the match. It’s challenging to play against someone who isn’t at 100 per cent.
“While they may experience a downturn, you can’t afford to have that downturn and instead must find a way to close the match.
“Clenching your fists helps maintain intensity and allows you to close the match as quickly as possible. I don’t blame Djokovic for doing that.
“The truth is, if I were facing someone who was injured or not playing at their best, and I experienced a slump, I would likely do the same. Closing a match is never easy.”
Djokovic claps as Alcaraz exits Roland Garros. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Serbian reporter Sasa Ozmo described Alcaraz’s answer as “pure class”.
It went viral on Reddit, where tennis fans hailed the youngster’s maturity.
“I love him so much, such a great, humble kid. Impossible not to root for him,” one wrote.
“He’s a good kid with a great attitude and personality, and he is going to win so many grand slams, and that makes me happy,” added another.
“Classy from Alcaraz. Today he won me over as a fan because he did not make any excuses for himself. I liked how he was honest about his issues and performance and now I have no doubts that he will go on to achieve the greatest of heights in his career,” wrote a third.
Alcaraz admitted that the tension he felt in facing the Serb for the first time in a Grand Slam match caused the body cramps which torpedoed his hopes in the semi-final.
“Novak is a legend of our sport,” said Alcaraz. “If someone says that he goes onto the court with no nerves playing against Novak, he lies.
“Of course playing a semi-final of a Grand Slam, you have a lot of nerves, but even more facing Novak. That’s the truth.”
Djokovic also delivered an emphatic answer in his own press conference.
Asked about the booing from the crowd when he began fist-pumping as victory drew near, he said: “I don’t mind. It’s not the first time, probably not the last. I’ll just keep winning.”
– with AFP