“I couldn’t smile on the court” Carlos Alcaraz opens up on the pressure and his mental struggles during the 2022 US Open

Carlos Alcaraz clinched his maiden Grand Slam title after thrashing the Norwegian Casper Ruud in the finals of the 2022 US Open and also become the youngest player to become the world number one in the ATP rankings history. With this win, he also became the youngest major champion of the US Open since Rafael Nadal in 2005.

Alcaraz defeated Ruud in four sets 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3 in three hours and 20 minutes of play and proved his dominance by registering his 51st match win of the year. He made history by becoming the second Spaniard to become the US Open champion and the youngest US Open champion since Pete Sampras in 1990.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz breaks the record of the most time played at a Grand Slam as he surpasses Kevin Anderson’s Wimbledon record

“I lost the joy a little bit” Carlos Alcaraz on feeling the pressure during the 2022 US Open

Alcaraz didn’t have a great start to the hard-court seasons that lead up to the US Open as he faced a shocking elimination in the first round at the Canadian Open and had managed to reach the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open but lost to the Brit Cameron Norrie.

During his post-match interview, he shared his ordeal about the struggles he encountered during the course of the tournament. He said “I lost the joy a little bit. I felt the pressure. I couldn’t smile on the court, which I’m doing in every match, every tournament. I came here just to enjoy, you know? To smile on the court, to enjoy playing tennis. I love playing tennis, of course.“

He further added “I would say if I smile, if I have fun out there, I saw my best level tennis. Right now I’m enjoying the moment. I’m enjoying having the trophy in my hands. I’m hungry for more. I want to be at the top for many, many weeks. I hope for many years. I’m going to work hard again after these amazing two weeks. I’m going to fight to have more of this.“

Carlos Alcaraz became the first man to win a major title after winning five-setter ties in the 4th round, quarter-finals, and semi-finals since Stefan Edberg in 1992. He had also made history when he played the longest matches at the US Open this year against Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz applauded by Rafael Nadal and other tennis legends after he becomes the youngest player since his ‘idol’ to win a major title

Also Read: “The only limit is the one you set yourself,” Alexander Zverev in an intriguing practice session was spotted playing with a 98-year-old

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW