It was a heartbreaking semifinal appearance in the French Open for the young Spanish rising star, Carlos Alcaraz What seemed like a battle for the ages against the legendary Serbian, Novak Djokovic, ended prematurely as Alcaraz suffered a bad episode of leg cramps. Following Alcaraz’s loss, in a display of sportsmanship and empathy, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios took to social media to offer words of encouragement.
Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature both on and off the court, expressed his understanding of the challenges faced by young players in crucial moments. This act of support highlights Kyrgios’ own experiences with injuries and withdrawals from tournaments in the past.
A tweet of support: Kyrgios backing Alcaraz
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After Carlos Alcaraz’s heartbreaking loss against Novak Djokovic in a thrilling match, Nick Kyrgios extended his support to the young Spanish player through a tweet.
Kyrgios stated, “Feel for Alcaraz. Just a big learning process, pretty sure every tennis player goes through this feeling. Cramping due to nervous energy and the anxiety of playing a match with this magnitude. He will learn how to deal with this in the future for sure. Then we should be scared🫣.”
Feel for Alcaraz. Just a big learning process, pretty sure every tennis player goes through this feeling. Cramping due to nervous energy and the anxiety of playing a match with this magnitude. He will learn how to deal with this in the future for sure. Then we should be scared🫣
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 9, 2023
Nick Kyrgios is no stranger to the physical and mental toll that tennis can take on players. Throughout his career, he has faced various injuries, including persistent shoulder and knee issues, which have forced him to withdraw from tournaments. Kygrios missed on playing French Open 2023 due to a foot injury. These setbacks have provided him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges young players like Carlos Alcaraz face when competing at the highest level.
Before the onset of cramps, Alcaraz had pushed Djokovic to his limit, even winning the second set in incredible fashion.
Alcaraz’s calf issue dampens his match against Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of a strong finish against Novak Djokovic were hampered by an unfortunate calf issue during the third set. The 20-year-old Spaniard experienced discomfort after an awkward landing, requiring a medical assessment. Regrettably, the injury forced Alcaraz to limp through rest of the match, granting Djokovic a break.
Following the match, Novak Djokovic expressed his admiration for Carlos Alcaraz and offered words of encouragement.
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“I told him at the net. He knows how young he is. He’s got plenty of time ahead of him, so he’s going to win this tournament I’m sure many times. He’s an unbelievable player, an incredible competitor and a very nice guy, so he deserves all the applause and all the support,” Djokovic said in the post-match interview.
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The 36-year-old Serbian, a two-time Roland Garros champion, evened out the head-to-head record against Alcaraz at 1-1 with his victory, which lasted three hours and 23 minutes.
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