Carlos Alcaraz said he will remember this summer “for the rest of his life” despite his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics. (More Tennis News)
Alcaraz, who has already won two grand slams at the French Open and Wimbledon this year, finished with a silver medal at the Games earlier this month.
The Spaniard will take part in this week’s Cincinnati Open where he will face either Gael Monfils or recent Canadian Open winner Alexei Popyrin in the second round.
Alcaraz has the opportunity to claim a second US Open title in two weeks time, but had the chance to reflect on an incredible few months ahead of his first match in Ohio.
“It has been some incredible months in my life and career after winning Roland-Garros, a tournament that I was very excited to win, and of course Wimbledon, which is wonderful to be able to win it,” Alcaraz told the ATP Tour.
“Also, one of my dreams was to win an Olympic medal. I have enjoyed a lot these last few months. They were incredible and I enjoyed it a lot.
“I am also very happy with my tennis and the way I handled different situations. I think I have improved a lot as a player, so I am very happy.
“Of course, in tennis the season is not over, and we have to carry on pushing our best in each tournament but, of course, I will remember these months [for] the rest of my life.”
Alcaraz also partnered up with fellow compatriot Rafael Nadal in the men’s doubles at Roland-Garros during the Olympics in the French capital.
The Spanish pair, dubbed ‘Nadalcaraz’ at the Games, lost in the quarter-finals to America’s fourth-seeded duo Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in straight sets.
And while his journey with the 22-time grand slam champion fell short of a medal, Alcaraz said it was a dream come true to play alongside one of his sporting heroes.
“It was a great experience, talking with Rafa off the court, knowing each other much better off the court. It was a great experience, obviously, playing doubles together,” Alcaraz said.
“It was something that I will never forget, for sure. I learned a lot talking to him on court, off the court as well.
“I think we played great tennis in doubles, even if we are not used to playing doubles very often.
“A little bit disappointing at the end, because we thought that we could do it better, but in general, we were happy.
“Obviously talking about myself, I reached my dream, my dream came true, playing doubles alongside Rafa.