Carlos Alcaraz, one of the most promising stars in the tennis world, faced a surprising defeat in the Cincinnati Masters, casting a shadow over his US Open preparations. The Spanish player, who currently holds the world No. 3 ranking, was knocked out in the second round by Gael Monfils, ranked 46th globally. This match was initially postponed due to rain, with Alcaraz leading by a set. However, Monfils mounted an impressive comeback, eventually clinching the match with a 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 victory.
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The turning point in the final set came when Monfils held serve to move ahead 3-1, leading to a frustrated Alcaraz smashing his racket after failing to capitalize on four crucial break points. The frustration was palpable, as Alcaraz admitted post-match that it felt like the "worst match" he had ever played in his career. Despite his strong practice sessions leading up to the tournament, the conditions on the center court, including faster balls and higher bounces, seemed to throw him off his game.
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This defeat could be significant as Alcaraz heads into the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, with only one hard-court match under his belt. While his adaptability across different surfaces is well-known—he is the youngest male player to win a Grand Slam on all three surfaces—this loss is far from ideal as he prepares to defend his title at Flushing Meadows.
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The match also highlighted a broader trend of upsets in the tournament, with other top players like Daniil Medvedev, Tommy Paul, and Taylor Fritz also exiting early. For Alcaraz, the loss against an out-of-form Monfils, especially after his Olympic final defeat to Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros, raises questions about his readiness for the US Open.
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As the tennis world watches closely, Alcaraz will need to regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks in his pursuit of Grand Slam glory.