Carlos Alcaraz was crushed after his defeat in the Olympics final, losing to Novak Djokovic, his outstanding rival, who in claimed won the Gold medal he had craved throughout his career.
Admittedly, it always felt like an accolade that he had deserved to win, but going into the clash few gave him a chance after the Spaniard had dismantled him with such ease during the Wimbledon final less than a month earlier.
But, the greats can never be discounted, and the 37-year-old came back emphatically to win two tiebreaks and secure victory.
It left Novak Djokovic crumpled on the ground, paralysed by the euphoria of completing his trophy cabinet.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz cut a tearful figure, something we are not accustomed to given how often he wins.
Carlos Alcaraz on how he reacted to Olympics final loss
Speaking to the ATP Tour’s official website about that match, the Spaniard was unsurprisingly still quite hurt by the defeat.
After all, even though a silver medal is certainly admirable, such is the nature of the Olympics, he will have to wait another four years before he can challenge for this honour again.
By that point, who knows how many more hungry, generational talents might have emerged to compete for the honour.
However, asked about his conduct after the defeat, Alcaraz admitted that he just had to do one thing after such a gruelling summer and a crushing loss.
He revealed: ‘I needed a few days without thinking about tennis.
‘I’m excited to play here [in Cincinnati] again. I am very happy to be back. Obviously, I have great memories of last year, when I reached the final and lost an epic and very tight match. This is a tournament that I love to play and yes, excited to start the tournament.’
Carlos Alcaraz to return refreshed in Cincinnati
As is always the case with those at the top of their sports, they never let such defeats hold them back. If anything, it inspires them to further greatness.
So, that can certainly be expected with Alcaraz, especially with the Cincinnati Masters now starting.
Set to return to America refreshed after skipping Montreal, where Alexei Popyrin emerged as the shock victor, he has lost little ground in the race for form and fitness ahead of the US Open.
And, he will feel buoyed by the news that last year’s winner Novak Djokovic has dropped out of Cincinnati. Ahead of the event, here’s all you need to know about the 2024 Cincinnati Open from prize money to how to watch.
Although he has been handed a really tough draw, he will still fancy his chances at enjoying a solid run and following up his Olympics disappointment with the title he came so close to claiming in 2023.
Then, his sights will be set on reclaiming the US Open trophy as well.
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