Alcaraz explains his cramps after the semi-final: “Because I played against a legend like Djokovic”

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The number 1 in the world froze in awe in Paris. After the set equalizer in the semifinals of the French Open, Carlos Alcaraz (20) is no longer in charge. Cramps paralyze him. Alacaraz loses the next two sets and the match against Novak Djokovic (36) without discussion. At the press conference afterwards, he explains: “I attribute what happened to me to a psychological problem.”

The reason for his cramps: nervousness and tension. “Because I played against a legend like Djokovic.” Alcaraz has never felt anything like it. “The cramps started in my hand, then my legs, and eventually spread all over my body.”

Guesswork with TV expert

Djokovic’s playing style also pushed Alcaraz to the limit. After two hard sentences, in which he enraptured the audience with one or two magical blows, he paid tribute to the tension. Cramped with awe. “If someone plays against Djokovic and says he doesn’t feel any tension, he’s lying.”

Even experts are surprised. Mischa Zverev, Alexander’s older brother, puzzles at Eurosport: “I’m speechless, he looked so normal and fit. Carlos moved well and suddenly he can’t hold the racket and can’t move anymore.”

Valuable experience for the future

Still, Alcaraz did not think about giving up. Even though he told his box he was “fucked”. Had he not played out the match, he would have questioned whether it was the right call: “I thought I had a one percent chance in the fourth set.”

Opponent Djokovic, who can become the only Grand Slam record winner on Sunday, praises Alcaraz’s stamina: “He is an incredible fighter. It’s just hard when you don’t know whether to keep playing or give up. Congratulations on making it to the end has persevered.” He is convinced that Alcaraz “will win this tournament many times over”. (dti)

Source : Blick