Carlos Alcaraz has issued a public apology after failing to control his anger during his surprise defeat to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open. The reigning Wimbledon champion was dumped out in the opening round with Monfils claiming an impressive 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 victory.
After failing to convert a break point in the decisive set, Alcaraz reacted furiously by repeatedly smashing his racket on the ground. It was a rare public meltdown from the 21-year-old, who is usually a calm figure on the court but was unable to control his fury on this occasion.
He took to Instagram the following day to issue an apology for his behaviour, admitting that he found it hard to manage his nerves at such a crucial point in the match.
“I want to apologise for my attitude yesterday, it was not good and that should not happen on court,” wrote Alcaraz. “I’m human, the nerves had accumulated and sometimes it is very tough to control when there is that tension. I will work so that it doesn’t happen again.”
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