Carlos Alcaraz ‘almost smashed his racket’ in angry moment in Medvedev loss

Novak Djokovic on course for 24th grand slam

Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he “almost threw the racket to the floor” during his US Open semi-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev on Friday. The young Spanish star will not get a chance to defend his title in New York during Sunday’s final, having been beaten 7-6 (7-3) 6-1 3-6 6-3 by the 2021 champion to ensure that there will be no repeat of this year’s Wimbledon showpiece.

Fans gathered at Arthur Ashe Stadium witnessed a rare occasion when Alcaraz lost his cool and his anger on the court was visible, as the 20-year-old admitted that he lost “his mind” during a tiebreak. At a changeover in the second set, Alcaraz made the initial motion to throw his racket into the floor but was able to stop his frustration from boiling over.

Alcaraz described the incident after being unable to deal with Medvedev’s forehand on several occasions, though was able to compose himself and ensure that he could keep playing with the same racket.

“Well, I think I started the match pretty well. It was a close first set,” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. “In the tiebreak, you know, after 3-All in the tiebreak, I, let’s say, I lose my mind.

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“I make three or four points without control. I didn’t think. I totally lose my mind on that set, and fighting for 50 minutes and then, you know, for four points lose my mind. It was really tough for me to handle it.

“You know, in the second set I didn’t came back. It was almost in the moon. For me it was tough. Obviously Daniil, he was playing great. You know, it was tough for me to came back, you know, to the match and playing a great game again. You know, I almost threw the racket to floor, but I just controlled myself just be in the moment, but it was tough for me to stay calm.”

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It would not have been the first time that Alcaraz smashed his racket if he did go through with the attempt, having after uncharacteristically throwing it at his chair during the Canadian Open, while also smashing it into the floor during his second-round win in the Madrid Open over Emil Ruusuvuori.

Alcaraz showing restraint this time could be a sign of his growing maturity, something he highlighted after the match as he admitted not being mature enough to win against Medvedev. “Well, you know, these kind of matches can happen even if I feel myself different player, more mature. You know, he played really, really great, a great game. So I couldn’t find solutions on the match.

“You know, I thought that, you know, right now I am better player to find solutions when the match is not going in the right direction for you. But, you know, after this match, you know, I gonna change my mind. I’m not mature enough to handle these kind of matches. So I have to learn about it.”

US Open tennis makes its long-awaited return to Sky Sports and it’s certainly not something to be missed.

Sky Sports subscribers on Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and the Sky Sports app will be able to watch all courts for the first time on Sky Sports.

Want to watch the US Open Tennis but don’t own Sky?

Never fear as you can get Sky Glass, Sky TV, Netflix for £14 a month for six months – thanks to a limited time deal.

You can also get six months Sky Sports completely free.

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