Alex Trelinski
A TEARFUL Carlos Alcaraz who lost Sunday’s Olympic tennis final to Novak Djokovic, has been sent a supportive message from his hero and tournament doubles partner, Rafa Nadal.
The Serbian bagged the only honour he was missing in a fantastic career, beating Alcaraz by two sets to love at Roland Garros, Paris.
There were tears of joy for Djokovic but tears of disappointment from the 21-year-old four-time Grand Slam winner heralding from El Palmar, Murcia.
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Gone was the trademark smile of the young Spaniard, replaced by tears, even though he played his part in a fine match and had secured a silver medal.
He was sent a heartfelt message from Rafael Nadal who played three doubles matches last week with him at the Olympics.
Rafa Nadal said: “Carlos, although I know that today is a difficult day, value a medal that is very important for the whole country and you will see, over time, that it is for for you too.”
“Thank you for this incredible week and for a medal that you give to Spanish sport. A hug,” he added from his home base of Mallorca.
After the match and medal ceremonies, Alcaraz explained the tears:
“It’s a difficult moment because I wanted more, I wanted the gold and losing is never pleasant.”
“The tears at the end are because I have not achieved the goal or the desire of the Spanish people and I have not been able to make the Spanish proud of a gold medal,” he added.
“I leave with another medal, which is not easy, but I was still proud to achieve it.”
Alcaraz revealed that Djokovic, who he only beat last month to secure his second Wimbledon title, told him at the net that he will win Olympic gold one day.
As for his Paris Olympics experience:”It has been a different week to what we are used to as we lived in the Olympic Village and enjoyed the triumph of other Spaniards in other sports.”
“Tennis is lonely but we have been able to have the opportunity to play doubles, with Rafa, and to learn from my idol at first-hand.”
“Achieving silver at my first Olympics is a wonderful moment that I will remember all my life, and I’m going to enjoy it,” Carlos Alcaraz summarised.
