The Canadian Open has been very eventful this week, with players fighting hard for every point. As with any tournament, there have been highs and lows for players. Even former champions have not had it easy, with Carlos Alcaraz being the latest to fall. He was angry and frustrated and his on-court behavior shocked the fans.
Tennis is an unforgiving game, as any small mistake can change the momentum of play. Alcaraz experienced it firsthand against Tommy Paul in the quarterfinal. He was not at his best and made many unforced errors.
In a rare display of anger, Alcaraz smashed his racket. When that did not help, the world number one was seen vocalizing his thoughts very aggressively.
Tennis’s World #1, Carlos Alcaraz:
“How can tennis be played so badly?’
That’s what the elite players expect: a high level. Every. Time.
Even if it’s not realistic.
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 12, 2023
Alcaraz had a rare night off, proving that even the world’s best player is not invulnerable. Paul, on the other hand, outplayed Carlos at every turn. While the Spaniard did make a comeback in the second set, it was not enough to win the match.
Carlos is normally a reserved player, so naturally, this other side of him has surprised the fans. Not everyone was unforgiving though, as a user claimed that, “He’s pissed and arrogant.”
I don’t find that admirable…I think he’s pissed and arrogant.
— Cheryl Kay Kincannon (@KincannonKay) August 12, 2023
Carlos will be disappointed with his performance and look for ways to improve. With the US Open starting at the end of the month, he will try to brush up his game. Tommy Paul will face Jannik Sinner in the semifinal next, after knocking out Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz speaks after losing to Tommy Paul
In the quarterfinal clash between Paul and Alcaraz, the American got the better of the world number one. Tommy defeated Alcaraz in Montreal last year as well, the only difference being that Alcaraz is now the top-ranked player.
In the post-match interview, Alcaraz said that he needed to be more confident. He also hopes to resolve any issues in Cincinnati, which starts next week. It is imperative for Carlos to iron out his troubles before he starts his title defense at the US Open.
Carlos Alcaraz on his loss to Tommy Paul:
“I didn’t play well. All I can do is practice to be better. I have some weeks before US Open. I have to be focused on Cincinnati. It’s a Masters 1000. It’s a big tournament. But obviously, I take a lot of lessons from this tournament.” pic.twitter.com/8hRcur2TbS
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 12, 2023
Carlos acknowledged that he did not play well, having made a slow start in his last three matches. “All I can do now is practice to be better. I have some weeks before the U.S. Open,” he said (via Eurosport).
He added that there were things he did well, but there is always room for improvement. Alcaraz thinks one can improve even if they have played the best match of their career.
While this loss to Paul will certainly hurt Alcaraz, it will be a learning curve for him. There is a possibility of the two locking horns again in Cincinnati. Can Alcaraz level the scores then?