Alcaraz Faces Frustration at Cincinnati Open, Vows to Improve

In a surprising display of frustration, four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz suffered a defeat against Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open, losing 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. The match, which was interrupted by rain on Thursday night while Alcaraz was trailing in a second-set tiebreaker, saw the 21-year-old Spaniard struggle to regain his composure upon resuming play. Following the match, Alcaraz expressed disappointment in his performance, labeling it as the "worst match" of his career. Taking to social media, Alcaraz acknowledged that his on-court behavior was unacceptable, admitting that he let his emotions get the better of him. "It’s difficult to control yourself when your heart rate is high," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to work on managing his emotions in future matches. Despite feeling confident in his practice sessions leading up to the tournament, Alcaraz found himself unable to execute his game plan, leading to a sense of frustration that culminated in him smashing his racket. As the No. 3 player in the ATP rankings, Alcaraz's unexpected exit from the tournament raises questions about his mental resilience. He expressed a desire to move on from this experience and focus on the upcoming US Open in New York. "I want to forget it and try to move on," he concluded, signaling his determination to bounce back from this setback.