Rennae Stubbs Impressed by Carlos Alcaraz’s Ability to ‘Walk Off with a Smile’ Despite Losing ‘Warrior Battle’ at US Open

The tennis world loves to talk about all things Carlos Alcaraz, from his unpredictable, fearless tennis to his humility, his hairstyles, and his infectious smile. But he raised eyebrows when he returned to the tour after a four-month injury hiatus.

Alcaraz injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open in mid-April and played his first tournament back in New York after his recovery. He was advised to take more time and avoid a best-of-five-set format without match practice. But he played, reached the quarterfinals, lost a five-set battle to eventual runner-up Ben Shelton, left the Arthur Ashe Stadium with a smile, and was “happy and proud” of the level he produced after a long break.

Former ATP player Sam Querrey called him the “best loser” and his optimistic attitude after the defeat “so special”. Now Rennae Stubbs has shared her reaction to how the 23-year-old carried himself after his failed title defense.

Did you see the face that he had when he walked off the court smiling? You know, everyone walks off that court, they’ve either got a towel over their head, or they’re like pouting, or they’re like throwing rackets, or whatever.

Rennae Stubbs said on her The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast

Alcaraz also admitted that he came to New York without any high expectations. That all his focus was on his health and how much he could push his body on his comeback.

This guy walks off with a smile on his face. He just… he’s so happy just to be healthy. And he loved every second of that warrior battle till 3:30 in the morning. If you don’t like Carlos Alcaraz, I’m sorry, we can’t be friends. Because this guy is the best.

Rennae Stubbs added

It was Alcaraz’s first defeat at the hands of Shelton following three consecutive victories. Shelton, after beating Frances Tiafoe in an all-American semifinal, lost to Alexander Zverev in the final, which made Sascha a two-time Grand Slam champion, as he also lifted the French Open this year by overcoming Flavio Cobolli.

Patrick Mouratoglou reacts to Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat to Ben Shelton

Carlos Alcaraz struggled physically during his marathon quarterfinal against Ben Shelton as he vomited into the towel toward the end of the match. Reacting to his defeat, Serena Williams‘ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, said Alcaraz’s level was amazing, but he was not alright physically.

These nine games in a row that he lost after winning the first set against Ben Shelton are not the ups and downs that he usually can have. So I think this was way more physical than mental. In the first rounds of the Grand Slam, for me, it’s mental. But when he reached the second week, playing the best guys, and he knew how dangerous Ben was, I don’t think it’s mental. I think it’s 100% physical. Physically, he was suffering.

Patrick Mouratoglou said on his Instagram

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Alcaraz will next be seen in action at the Laver Cup, held from 25 September to 27 September in London. The Spaniard will be representing Team Europe.

So far this season, Alcaraz has won two titles from three finals, winning in Melbourne and Doha by defeating Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fils, respectively, and losing in Monte Carlo to Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz now sits in third position in the rankings table with 5,560 points, while World No.2 Alexander Zverev and World No.1 Sinner have 9,690 and 11,500 points, respectively.

Zverev will end the season with more Majors than Alcaraz and Sinner, thanks to his wins in Paris and New York. Sinner defended his Wimbledon title by beating Sascha.

Also read: Jessica Pegula Lauds Aryna Sabalenka for Playing ‘Insane’ Tennis After Getting ‘Mad’