The former number 2 in men’s singles, Alexander Zverev defeated the current ‘numero dos‘, Carlos Alcaraz by 6-7(3),6-3,6-4 at the ATP Finals on Monday. The powerful display from the two-time former champion spoiled the debut of the Spaniard in the season-ending tournament. But did it dampen his spirit?
The 20-year-old had missed the tournament last year due to an injury. Even this year he has struggled with his fitness which had kept him out of action since early October. The 2023 Wimbledon Champion faced the third defeat (Shanghai, Paris-Bercy, Turin) in a row. But thankfully for the Spaniard, he has a second chance this time. However, more than his defeat, his graceful act after the match caught the attention of the fans.
Fans appreciate Carlos Alcaraz for his graceful act?
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Alcaraz had managed to make a comeback from a breakdown to win his first set through a tie-breaker. But he couldn’t steady his ship in the second and third. The Spaniard was seen struggling with what he called the ‘fastest surface of the year‘. 16 aces and a significantly lower percentage of unforced errors sealed the deal for the 26-year-old German. But after the match, Carlos Alcaraz congratulated Zverev through a tweet and vowed to make a comeback on Wednesday. After seeing this humble gesture, fans came out in numbers to appreciate the graceful act of Carlitos. Here’s what they had said in reply to Alcaraz’s post.
One of the fans appreciated the Spaniard for being gracious even in defeats.
Always gracious in defeat Carlitos
— Tennis Puneet 🎾 📚 (@TennisPuneet) November 13, 2023
Alcaraz got an appreciation from another fan for publicly congratulating his opponents. The fan even went on to highlight that Alcaraz was never seen giving excuses for his defeat. Truly a class act, he said.
Even in tough losses, Alcaraz always publicly congratulates his opponents and never offers any excuses for his defeats.
He is a true class act not many players do this so soon after a loss. 👏 https://t.co/0M9jzjVAYv
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) November 13, 2023
While others admire him for his post-match gestures of gracefully accepting the loss or win.
Always gracefully accept the loss or Win
— Chandrakant Dhawal (@ck10dhawal) November 14, 2023
Another one pointed out that Alcaraz always has nice things to say about his opponents.
He always has nice things to say about opponents in wins or losses!
In my opinion. https://t.co/jtnKfOo8mO
— Carlos Alcaraz is the GOAT (@GoatCaraz) November 14, 2023
Some of them acknowledged his positive spirit.
Vamos Carlitos! Love your positive spirit! 💗🔥💪
— evan buckley hand holder (@chronicdiazist) November 13, 2023
The first teenager from the Open Era to sit at the helm of single rankings in just 19 years 4 months and 6 days of age has a challenging task up ahead. Can he make a comeback in the next matches?
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Alcaraz will get a second bite at the cherry in Turin
Carlos Alcaraz is still in the race to win the season-ending event in Turin. For the first time in his career, he has lost a match yet he’s still alive as a possible contender for the silverware. After the devastating defeat against Zverev, he will now face Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev in the remaining group matches. Wednesday is going to be a big day for the number 2.
Alcaraz is now completely out of the race of finishing in the top spot at the year-end for a second time in a row. But can he snatch a victory at Turin and carry forward the confidence to the next season?
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