Alcaraz admits feeling overwhelmed by pressure of representing Spain in loss to Djokovic at Olympics
PARIS — Overwhelmed and unable to control his emotions, Carlos Alcaraz required a moment to gather himself after being defeated by Novak Djokovic in the men’s tennis singles final at the Paris Olympics on Sunday.
There would be no record-breaking champion and no replicating Rafael Nadal’s achievement of securing a gold medal for Spain in his initial try in singles.
Alcaraz settled for silver after a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) defeat to Djokovic at Court Philippe Chatrier, citing the burden of representing his country as a contributing factor.
“I believe I placed more stress on myself because I was playing for Spain, for the Spaniards,” he expressed. “I sensed that I disappointed the Spanish populace by failing to secure the gold.”
The 21-year-old Alcaraz mentioned that he had not experienced that kind of strain in the four Grand Slam finals that he participated in — and emerged victorious — thus far in his career.
“It was a different kind of pressure,” he remarked. “Everyone in Spain was rooting for me to secure the gold, and I was eager to achieve that as well.”
Alcaraz noted that the added pressure hindered him, particularly during the critical junctures of the match.
“In those challenging moments, I typically elevate my performance, but I failed to do so today,” he commented. “Perhaps I succumbed to the pressure in those instances. You compete in four Grand Slams every year, whereas the Olympics occur only once every four years.”
Despite the outcome, Alcaraz found solace in “knowing that I exerted my utmost effort.”
“Undeniably, this week, this tournament has held significant meaning for me,” he shared. “I will carry it with me throughout my life, throughout my career, without a doubt. Competing with Rafa, securing my first Olympics medal — hopefully not the final one — has been a remarkable experience.”
Alcaraz arrived in Paris amidst the excitement of participating in the doubles tournament alongside his childhood idol Nadal, who clinched the singles gold in his Olympic premiere in Beijing in 2008.
Alcaraz and Nadal suffered a 6-2, 6-4 defeat to the fourth-seeded American pair of Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in last week’s quarterfinals.
The showdown against Djokovic marked a rematch of the previous two Wimbledon finals, both secured by Alcaraz, including the most recent one.
“During the crucial moments, in the tough situations, in the tiebreaks, he exhibited remarkable gameplay,” Alcaraz remarked about Djokovic. “He was hungry for the gold medal. He was determined to clinch it.”
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AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games