Carlos Alcaraz lost his opening match in Cincinnati to Gael Monfils 4-6, 7-6, 6-4. The Spaniard was playing his first match since losing the Olympic gold medal match to Novak Djokovic. However, the focus was not on Alcaraz’s performance but on his attitude on the court. The former World No. 1 smashed his racket early in the third set.
The match between Carlos Alcaraz and Monfils stretched over two days due to weather conditions. The Spaniard won the first set but was trailing 3-1 in the second set tiebreak when rain interrupted play.
WOW, Alcaraz obliterates his racket after Monfils holds for 3-1 😳 pic.twitter.com/uiKWvvkFkb
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) August 16, 2024The break seemed to benefit Monfils, who looked like a different player when play resumed. He won the tiebreak and broke Alcaraz early in the third set, which proved enough to win the match.
Netizens slam Carlos Alcaraz for smashing his racket at Cincinnati
As soon as Carlos Alcaraz smashed his racket in the fourth game of the third set, netizens jumped on Twitter to criticize his actions. Many were shocked, considering Alcaraz had never smashed a racket before. Here are some of the reactions:
If this was Djokovic they’d want him crucified
— Roy (@_CFCRoy) August 16, 2024I was always told that Alcaraz is very gracious and classy on court? This must be a mistake cause this surely can’t be him?
Not a good look in that case on top of excessive grunting, constant fist pumping, vamosing, coach-convos, and now racquet smashing pic.twitter.com/gyN5HoTwTe
Well well well spoilt Carlos Alcaraz not adhering to his PR image. What a surprise that
— Wanting FSG OUT #FSGOUT ⚔️ (@Lpool_5843) August 16, 2024alcaraz breaking the good guy image ksksksksks
— Queen Jankovic (@JankovicWonIW15) August 16, 2024Alcaraz never seen this guy like that. what a shame of attitude
— SetGamePoint (@spink78724610) August 16, 2024This is not a sportsman spirit
— Muhammad Imran Latif (@imranlatif312) August 16, 2024absolutely disgusting behaviour, so so disappointed to see him doing this.
— Naeem (@SportLover2014) August 16, 2024Alcaraz has developed a reputation for being cheerful on the court, regardless of winning or losing. However, this reaction seemed to stem from his performance in the Cincinnati match. Many fans also pointed out the hypocrisy of the criticism, noting that the reaction was not as aggressive as when Novak Djokovic does the same. The Serbian has been heavily criticized over the years for his conduct on the court.
However, Alcaraz’s frustration could also be due to a long and exhausting summer. The Spaniard entered this tournament after a grueling schedule, having played at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the Paris Olympics. It’s possible that the Cincinnati Open came too soon for him.
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