Carlos Alcaraz left Paris with a bittersweet feeling after an epic final crowned champion Novak Djokovic. “I’m very satisfied with my game, I showed my best tennis and so did he. I’m disappointed to lose but I have to put it in perspective because I think I completed a great tournament and a great final and I should proud of my level. In front of me I had a wonderful champion, with a very high level and we must give him credit for his success.
The Murcian cannot blame himself for anything. “I gave everything on the court and I must learn from it, especially because I didn’t take the necessary step in important moments, and come back stronger.”
His medal has a clear dedication. “This money is for my country, for Spain, for everyone who supported me from Paris or from home, for my family, my team and also for myself. Having an Olympic medal is a goal this year.”
He admits that the Games are a particular competition. “It feels a little different to compete in the Olympics. You compete for a medal, for your country, it’s not like a Grand Slam. Now I feel more pressure maybe in the decisive moments. In addition, you play four Grand Slams per year and several Olympic Games. They come once every four years. Yes, different.” Although he enjoyed them too. “I will remember this experience for the rest of my life. Playing with Rafa twice, my first Olympic medal… they were two very special weeks.”
As for whether Novak still wants to win because this is his last chance, the Spaniard clarified. “I have heard many times that Novak wants this gold, we all know. He played incredible tennis, especially in the tiebreaks, obviously he will give everything, but I want it too.
He also explained his tears at the end. “In some way I have disappointed a lot of people, so I got excited. I also worked to win gold, I wanted gold and I couldn’t get it, and that was sad, of course. But this is also the feeling of the moment at the end, now I think I can be proud of how I represented my country. I want more, the loss is unpleasant. But I left with my head held high, I fought to the limit and I gave everything I had.
And he revealed some words he exchanged in Serbian online at the end. “Djokovic told me I will win gold one day, my time will come.”
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
