Carlos Alcaraz: Wimbledon, French Open champion to remember summer for ‘rest of my life’ despite losing Olympic final
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Published 13/08/2024 at 21:44 GMT+1
Carlos Alcaraz has made plenty of unforgettable memories this summer. From winning the French Open for the very first time, to defending his Wimbledon title and securing a silver medal at Paris 2024, Alcaraz has certainly made his mark on the sport in the last few months. The 21-year-old also had the chance to play with idol Rafael Nadal at the Olympics, which he called a "dream" come true.
Overcome Alcaraz forced to walk away from interview after Djokovic loss in Olympic final
Video credit: TNT Sports
Carlos Alcaraz says he will remember this summer for the rest of his life, despite losing the Olympic final to Novak Djokovic.
The 21-year-old also said his “dream came true” when he partnered Rafael Nadal in Spain’s ultimately fruitless men’s doubles campaign at Paris 2024.
And while the Spaniard was not able to capture the elusive gold in either event, a first French Open triumph and a successful defence of his Wimbledon title has made this an unforgettable calendar year.
Alcaraz has the opportunity to add a second US Open triumph to his CV in September, and had time to reflect on an “incredible” summer ahead of the Cincinnati Open.
“It has been some incredible months in my life and career after winning Roland-Garros, a tournament that I was very excited to win, and of course Wimbledon, which is wonderful to be able to win it,” Alcaraz told the ATP Tour.
“Also, one of my dreams was to win an Olympic medal. I have enjoyed a lot these last few months. They were incredible and I enjoyed it a lot.
“I am also very happy with my tennis and the way I handled different situations. I think I have improved a lot as a player, so I am very happy.
“Of course, in tennis the season is not over, and we have to carry on pushing our best in each tournament but, of course, I will remember these months [for] the rest of my life.”
This season has not all been plain sailing for Alcaraz, who missed the Italian Open with a forearm injury and was in tears after his defeat to Djokovic in a veritable Olympic final classic.
And while he reached the furthest stage of his budding career at the Australian Open in January, Alcaraz is understandably more pleased with his performances in the French and English capitals.
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“Honestly, it has been really good the last couple of months with great results,” said Alcaraz. “It was very demanding, Roland-Garros and Wimbledon playing great matches.
“Maybe I was down physically with a few pains that I had to take care about it. That’s why I probably had more days to recover and not do anything.
“I am very pleased with the last three tournaments that I had. Getting my first medal at the Olympics and two more Grand Slams … It has been great.”
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'I felt I let all Spanish people down' - Alcaraz on his tears after losing final to Djokovic
Video credit: SNTV
Alcaraz had to reach the Olympic podium by himself, but he had a special word for his doubles partner Nadal in Sunday’s press conference in Cincinnati, calling their link-up a “dream”.
“It was a great experience, talking with Rafa off the court, knowing each other much better off the court. It was a great experience, obviously, playing doubles together," Alcaraz said.
“It was something that I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot talking to him on court, off the court as well.
“I think we played great tennis in doubles, even if we are not used to playing doubles very often.
“A little bit disappointing at the end, because we thought that we could do it better, but in general, we were happy.
“Obviously talking about myself, I reached my dream, my dream came true, playing doubles alongside Rafa.”
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