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Carlos Alcaraz Sobs After Losing to Novak Djokovic in Olympics

Emotions overcame Carlos Alcaraz after he lost to Novak Djokovic in the Paris Olympics.
Pat Benson|
Carlos Alcaraz cried after losing to Novak Djokovic.
Carlos Alcaraz cried after losing to Novak Djokovic. | Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Alcaraz's run of dominance came to a screeching halt on Sunday as the 21-year-old lost to Novak Djokovic in the Olympic Gold Medal match: 7-6(3), 7-6(2).

After the match, Alcaraz was overcome by emotions. The Spanish player had to stop his post-match interview because he could not control his tears. Alcaraz would later resume the interview after a break to compose himself.

Alcaraz explained, "It's painful to lose the way I lost this match. I had my chances to probably be up in the match. I couldn’t take it. Novak was playing great. He deserves this. In the tough moments he increased his level. He played unbelievable shots... an unbelievable game."

Alcaraz continued, "I'm a bit disappointed but honestly I’ll leave the court with my head really really high. I gave everything I had. Fighting for Spain was everything to me. I’m proud with the way I played today."

Less than a month ago, Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Wimbledon finals for the second consecutive year. It felt like a passing of the torch, but the rivalry is clearly far from over.

The Olympic finals match between the two superstars was historic. Djokovic, 37, was the oldest man to reach a men's singles final at the Olympics; Alcaraz, 21, was the youngest since 1904. Both were shooting for their first Olympic gold medal.

Djokovic is already the most accomplished player of all time, and winning a gold medal for Serbia at this stage in his career is the icing on the cake. However, there are still no signs of him slowing down.

With the Olympics over, the focus shifts to the US Open for Alcaraz and Djokovic. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport and beyond.

Further Reading: Iga Swiatek cries after winning bronze medal at the Olympics.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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