Carlos Alcaraz expressed his disappointment after losing the Olympic Games gold medal match to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros on Sunday, saying he felt he had “let Spain down.”
The 21-year-old Alcaraz, who was aiming to become the youngest men’s singles champion in Olympic history, described the defeat as “painful” and became emotional during a post-match TV interview.
“I feel that I let the Spanish people down. I feel they were waiting for the gold medal,” said Alcaraz after his 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2) loss. “I got emotional because I couldn’t make the Spanish people proud. That’s why I got emotional.”
A victory would have capped off a remarkable summer for Alcaraz, who won his first French Open on the same courts and defended his Wimbledon title by defeating Djokovic just last month.
In the final, which lasted nearly three hours, neither player managed to break the other’s serve. A total of 14 break points were created and all were saved, with Alcaraz unable to convert any of his eight chances on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“I’m a bit sad, but I had a great tournament. It was a really great match, and I’m really proud of myself,” he added. “I was facing a hungry Novak. He was very impressive today. He didn’t let me have many chances, so credit to him; he deserves the victory.”
Despite the disappointment, Alcaraz said he would take valuable lessons from the loss as he prepares for the US Open, which he won in 2022. The New York title is the only Grand Slam currently held by Djokovic.
“I’ll leave with my head held high,” said the Spaniard. “Last year, when I lost to Novak at the French Open, I said I’d learn from that. I will learn from this again, become a better player, and not make the same mistakes. I will be more mature.”
Alcaraz also cherished the experience of the Paris Olympics, highlighting the special memory of playing doubles with Rafael Nadal for the first time. “The tournament has been really special for me, and I will remember it for the rest of my life,” he said.