Carlos Alcaraz admits ‘tensions’ of playing Novak Djokovic forced cramps in the semifinals of 2023 French Open

Carlos Alcaraz suffered from muscle cramps as he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the French Open.

Carlos Alcaraz admits ‘tensions’ of playing Novak Djokovic forced cramps in the semifinals of 2023 French Open

Novak Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz’s 2023 French Open run came to a disappointing end, as he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the semifinals on Friday. The Spaniard suffered muscle cramps in the final two sets, which meant that he was completely outplayed by his opponent towards the end of the match.

Novak Djokovic won the first set after several breaks of serve back and forth. However, Carlos Alcaraz fought back brilliantly in the second set to level the scores. Fans sensed that this encounter would go the distance, as both players were putting on a show in the semifinals. Alcaraz revealed that he started feeling cramps in his arms in the third set, which slowly extended to his whole body.

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Carlos Alcaraz was devastated after his semifinal loss, considering he was the pre-tournament favorite in Paris. “It has been really tough for me. I am disappointed in myself honestly. Ending the match like this. I came in to this match with a great feeling. I was feeling great physically,” said Alcaraz.

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Carlos Alcaraz makest honest revelation after French Open exit

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz admitted that facing Novak Djokovic in the semifinals got the better of him, which eventually triggered the cramps in the third set. The Spaniard stated that he had never felt more uncomfortable on the court, as he continued to carry on despite his evident issues.

“I was cramping at the end of second set, start of third set. I would say that the first and set sets were really intense. I felt cramp in my arm. At the start of third set I started to cramp in all my body, not just the arms. My full body started to cramp  It was the most tense I have ever felt. I have never felt anything like this today,” he said.

“It was the tension of the match. I started the match really, really nervous. The tensions of the first and second set. It was a really intense two sets. Tough rallies, drop shots. It was a combination of things But the main thing was the tension that I had,” Alcaraz added.

Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged the fact that facing Novak Djokovic on a Grand Slam stage is certainly a nerve-wracking experience. However, he hopes to deal with the situation in a better manner next time around. “Probably. It is not easy to play against Novak. If someone says there are not nervous playing Novak, he lies. That is the truth. Next time I am going to face Novak, I hope to be different. But the nerves will be there,” he added.

Carlos Alcaraz had a commendable clay court season, where he claimed the titles in Madrid and Barcelona. However, the Spaniard could lose his world number-one ranking spot, if Novak Djokovic wins the French Open title on Sunday.

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