Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, exhibited an uncharacteristic display of frustration during the 2024 Cincinnati Open. Known for his calm demeanor on the court, Alcaraz shocked spectators when he repeatedly smashed his racket after failing to convert a crucial break point in his match against Gael Monfils. This outburst marked a rare moment of visible frustration from the young tennis star, who eventually lost the second set and fell behind in the third, leading to an early-round exit.
The incident garnered reactions from fellow players and commentators alike. Corentin Moutet and Nick Kyrgios, both known for their fiery on-court behavior, pointed out the perceived double standards in the media’s response to such outbursts. Moutet humorously noted the difference in reactions when he exhibits similar emotions, suggesting that the media is often harsher on certain players. Kyrgios echoed this sentiment, highlighting the inconsistent criticism faced by different players.
Commentators were also taken aback by Alcaraz’s actions, with former British No. 1 Laura Robson expressing her surprise at seeing such behavior from the typically composed Alcaraz. Jonathan Overend, another commentator, remarked on the rarity of such an outburst from Alcaraz, noting that it seemed to encapsulate his entire career’s worth of frustration in a single moment.
Alcaraz himself reflected on the match with deep disappointment, describing it as the worst performance of his career. Despite practicing well in the lead-up to the tournament, he was unable to regain his composure, leading to a loss that he found difficult to accept. He acknowledged that, for the first time, he was unable to control his emotions on the court, something he had always managed in the past.
When I do it I’ve got “mental issue” 😂 https://t.co/b3t2lgolTg
— Corentin Moutet (@moutet99) August 16, 2024
As he looks ahead to the U.S. Open, beginning on August 26, Alcaraz views the upcoming tournament as an opportunity for redemption. Despite the setback in Cincinnati, he remains focused on improving his game and maintaining his composure in future matches.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
WLWLLWLWWW Ranked world no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 16th of August when he lost to world no.46 Gael Monfils 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 in the 2nd round in Cincinnati (draw).
Presently, during this year the Spaniard owns an overall 38-8 record. The Spaniard clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. Carlos was the finalist in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will compete against the world no.328 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . They have never competed against each other up to now on the main tour.
Carlos clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open and Wimbledon. The Spaniard was the finalist in Paris (Olympics).
The Spaniard won 16 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
