Alcaraz: "I thought I had disappointed all the Spaniards"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 5 Aug 2024 | 22.54

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Although it was unfamiliar territory for Carlos Alcaraz, the man from Murcia learned just a few hours ago in Paris what it was like to lose a big final. With Novak Djokovic securing the gold, Carlitos settled for a great silver medal at these Paris 2024 Olympic Games. During the press conference, the Spaniard opened up about his emotions after the defeat, reflecting on what he could have done better on the clay of Philippe Chatrier.

What were your thoughts after the match ended?

"Truth be told, after losing, during the on-court interviews, in the ceremony... It was only when I had the medal hanging that I realized it was a moment to savor. I had a very good tournament. Winning an Olympic medal is very difficult, and I have to appreciate that. The team also told me that there are many Olympics, that there are many great players without a medal, so it's something we have to be very proud of."

Analysis of the grand final

"They are different conditions, different surfaces, and it's not the same playing individually as representing your country in the Olympic Games. It's a whole set of things completely different from what we had in Wimbledon in London. I leave content, with my head held high for the match I played, I fought until the end. I tried to find solutions. It was a very tight match. In crucial moments, I couldn't capitalize on the opportunities I had, and Novak played at a very high level.

In the tiebreaks, in the break points against me, he raised his level when I couldn't. That's how tight matches are decided. I believe I played at a very high level; now I need to learn to be more precise in those moments for the future. When you miss opportunities against a player like Novak, it comes back to haunt you."

What were you thinking when you started to cry?

"For a moment, I thought I had let down all the Spaniards, that I hadn't reached the level they expected, which is why I had that emotional breakdown and the tears."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz: "He pensado que había defraudado a todos los españoles"

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