Kim Clijsters Tells Happy Carlos Alcaraz to Be Wary of ‘Sharks’ After US Open Exit: “Important for Him to Keep That Joy”

Carlos Alcaraz left Arthur Ashe Stadium with a smiling face in spite of losing a four-hour, 28-minute battle against eventual runner-up Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals that ended at 3:30 am local time. The Spaniard competed as the defending champion, but he did not have high expectations, as the US Open was the first tournament he played after recovering from his wrist injury.

After his exit, he told reporters that he was satisfied with the level he produced, and that he was happy and proud of himself. Such a reaction after what was considered a heartbreaking defeat has impressed many in the tennis world, including Rennae Stubbs and Sam Querrey. And now, former World No.1 Kim Clijsters has given her reaction to the way the seven-time Grand Slam champion carried himself.

That picture of him walking out the Arthur Ashe tunnel after a heartbreaking loss, at 3:30am, and having a full-blown smile on his face. We usually see people walking through that hallway with towels over their heads, or their head down to their chest. His chin was up, full smile, proceeds to have one of the most positive press huddles afterwards. It gives me chills thinking about it.

Kim Clijsters said on her Love All podcast

According to Clijsters, Alcaraz is a “gift” to tennis. She also believes Alcaraz needs to be wary of the “sharks,” without revealing who these people are, and hopes that tennis doesn’t affect his optimistic outlook.

For him and his team especially, it’s going to be so important to protect that. Because you have the sharks on tour who try to take stuff from you. It’s going to be so important for him to keep that joy because it can go away at times. So to have that after not being on tour for a few months is great to see.

Kim Clijsters added

Serena Williams‘ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, however, cannot understand why a player with a champion’s mindset like Alcaraz would be happy after his Grand Slam exit. He cited the example of the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, who, despite a high fever, won Roland Garros.

Renzo Furlan reacts to Carlos Alcaraz’s performance at the US Open

Before his defeat to Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz had dropped just one set against Jaime Faria in the second round. Tommy Paul was expected to give him tough competition in the fourth round, but he ended up breezing past him in straight sets. According to Jasmine Paolini‘s former coach, Renzo Furlan, the Alcaraz-Shelton clash was the best match of the US Open.

There were a few stumbles and errors in the first two or three rounds, but ultimately, Carlos dropped only one set before the fourth round. He was in excellent physical shape, and as the days went by, you could see him regaining his technical and tactical sharpness. He played an incredible match against Tommy. As for the loss to Ben, it was probably the best duel of the US Open.

Renzo Furlan said (H/T: Tennis World USA)

After upsetting Alcaraz, Shelton beat compatriot Frances Tiafoe and lost in four sets to Alexander Zverev in the final. It was the first time Shelton reached the final of a Major. He was chasing his fifth title of the season after wins in Dallas, Stuttgart, Munich, and Montreal. Zverev won his second Major of his career.

So far this season, Alcaraz has won two titles from three finals, taking home the Australian Open and the Qatar Open, and losing the Monte-Carlo Masters to Jannik Sinner. He lost his No.1 ranking to the five-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner after his defeat.

Also read: Toni Nadal Believes Ben Shelton Would’ve Become One of Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘Biggest Rivals’ Had He Won US Open