Carlos Alcaraz forced to stop interview as he breaks down in tears after heartbreaking Olympics final defeat to Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz gave it his absolute all against Novak Djokovic in the Olympic final on Sunday, but fell just short.
Alcaraz was beaten 7-6 7-6 by Djokovic in a blockbuster final that was decided by two tie-breaks, with neither player able to break each other’s serve.
It was the first major final that the Spaniard has lost in his career, having previously won all four of his Grand Slam finals so far.
The emotions told at the end of the match as he was being interviewed by compatriot Alex Corretja for Eurosport.
The 21-year-old needed to stop the interview as he broke down in tears.
On losing the final, Alcaraz said: “It’s painful to lose the way I lost this match. I had my chances to probably be up in the match. I couldn’t take it.
“Novak was playing great. He deserves this. In the tough moments he increased his level. He played unbelievable shots.. an unbelievable game.
“I’m a bit disappointed but honestly I’ll leave the court with my head really really high. I gave everything I had. Fighting for Spain was everything to me. I’m proud with the way I played today.”
It was a complete contrast of emotions on the court as Djokovic was completely overjoyed at completing the career ‘Golden Slam’.
An Olympic gold medal was the only thing missing from his collection and becomes just the fifth person ever to win all five major titles.
Djokovic cried tears of joy and made his way up to his family sitting in his box.
There he hugged his wife and two children and sobbed after finally completing his goal.
Speaking after his victory, he said: “I’m overwhelmed with everything I’m feeling right now. Feeling different emotions. Too proud. Too happy.
“Thrilled with the possibility to win a gold for the first time in my career for my country. Arguably the biggest success I had. I won probably everything there is to win in my individual career.
“Winning Davis Cup and particularly a golden medal at age 37 for Serbia is unprecedented. I’m just starting my celebration. I can’t wait for what’s coming up in the next 48 hours.”
When asked if it was the missing piece of the puzzle, he said: “Yes it is. It is.
“I’m telling myself always that I am enough. Because I can be very self critical. I don’t know. That’s one of the biggest internal battles I keep on fighting with myself. That I feel like I haven’t done enough or been enough in my life on and off the court.
“So it’s a big lesson for me. I’m super grateful for the blessing to win a historic gold medal for my country. To complete the golden slam. To complete all the records.”
