Carlos Alcaraz’s Frustrating Cincinnati Open Defeat: A Career Low
In a shocking turn of events at the Cincinnati Open, Carlos Alcaraz experienced one of the most frustrating moments of his tennis career. The 21-year-old star, known for his exceptional skills and composure on the court, found himself outplayed and outmatched by Gaël Monfils in the second round of the tournament. Alcaraz’s frustration boiled over as he smashed his racket multiple times, distorting the frame and leaving the crowd in stunned silence.
The drama unfolded during the third set when Monfils managed to consolidate a crucial break, eventually sealing the victory with a scoreline of 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4. This defeat marked a significant upset for Alcaraz, who had initially looked poised for a win. Alcaraz later reflected on the match, describing it as “the worst match I ever played in my career.” He admitted that he had never previously lost control to such an extent and struggled to maintain his usual level of performance.
“I felt sometimes that I wanted to break the racket,” Alcaraz confessed to reporters. “It never happened before because I could control myself in those situations. But today, I couldn’t control myself. I felt like I wasn’t playing any kind of tennis. Some players, during their careers, encounter moments they can’t control, and this was one of those for me.”
Despite the setback, Monfils savored the victory as his first win against a top-three player since March 2022, when he defeated Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells. Monfils celebrated with enthusiasm, relishing the applause from the crowd. His performance was particularly impressive given that he had to overcome a challenging start to the match, which had been interrupted by rain.
Alcaraz had initially appeared to be in control, leading 6-4, 6-6 (1-3) when play was halted on Thursday night. However, Monfils came back strong after the rain delay, winning the second set and then taking the final set with remarkable resilience, saving all four break points he faced.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz admitted, “It was really tough for me. I was feeling great before the match, but it turned out to be a completely different experience. I couldn’t control my serve, which made it impossible to win.”
Later that day, Monfils faced Holger Rune in the third round but was defeated with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Despite this, Monfils’ victory over Alcaraz remains a highlight of his recent performances, showcasing his ability to challenge the best players in the sport.
