Carlos Alcaraz smashed his racket to pieces in a rare show of frustration during his second-round clash against Gael Monfils at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, drawing strong reactions from tennis fans. The Spaniard, who narrowly lost to Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final last year, failed to advance past his opening match at the ATP Masters 1000 event on his return.

Competing in his only warm-up tournament before the US Open, Alcaraz was aiming for a deep run in Cincinnati to gain momentum on hardcourts after his recent silver medal win on clay at the Paris Olympics. Following a first-round bye, the Spaniard squared off against Gael Monfils in his tournament opener.

After clinching the opening set 6-4, the 21-year-old locked in a tense second-set tiebreak with Monfils when rain played spoilsport and postponed the remainder of the encounter to the next day. The Frenchman took control of the match after the resumption of play, clinching the second set and eventually securing a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory in two hours and 30 minutes.

Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, was left frustrated over his struggle to challenge the 37-year-old in the contest. Failing to break Monfils’ serve while trailing 1-2 in the deciding set, the Spaniard vented his anger by repeatedly smashing his racket into the ground until it was destroyed.

A few fans empathized with Alcaraz, showing grace to the four-time Grand Slam champion for his uncharacteristic outburst.

“It’s a part of life. You win some, you lose some. And sometimes we let anger get the best of us. No need for everyone to freak out,” one fan commented.

However, the majority of fans condemned the perceived “leniency” shown towards the 21-year-old, arguing that Novak Djokovic had been labeled unsportsmanlike for similar displays of anger.

“Had Novak smashed the racket I’m sure the tweet wouldn’t be this lenient,” one fan posted.

“If Djokovic smashed a racket like that, he’d be publicly crucified,” a fan argued.

“When Alcaraz does, “he desperately wants to win the match” when Novak does, “he doesn’t have sportsmanship” 😭😭👍🏻,” another fan wrote.

“When Alcaraz smashes a racket: “he wants to win so badly!” When Djokovic smashes a racket: “disgusting violent thug, unsportsmanlike behaviour, ban him from the tour,”” said another.

Fans continued to discredit Carlos Alcaraz’s gracious and classy on-court perception, contending that the likes of Serena Williams and Djokovic were met with much harsher judgment.

“But, but, but the haters assured me that only Djokovic breaks racquets? That Alcaraz is always smiling? I’m soooo confused,” one fan sarcastically remarked.

“I was always told that Alcaraz is very gracious and classy on court? This must be a mistake cause this surely can’t be him? Not a good look in that case on top of excessive grunting, constant fist pumping, vamosing, coach-convos, and now racquet smashing,” another fan chimed in.

“Lol I don’t want to be that person but when a guy does it “he wants to win”. When Serena did it “she needs to control herself,”” said yet another.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic set to be back in action at US Open 2024

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty)
Carlos Alcaraz and defending champion Novak Djokovic will both be back in action at the 2024 US Open, with the main draw matches scheduled to commence on August 26.

Having played just one match during the North American hardcourt swing before the New York Major, the Spaniard might find himself underprepared for the tournament. Djokovic will be similarly short on match practice at the final Grand Slam of the season, having chosen to skip all warm-up tournaments after his gold medal win at the Paris Olympics.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion triumphed at the US Open last year, claiming a dominant win over Daniil Medvedev in the final. Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, is defending a run to the semifinals, having fallen short against Medvedev while attempting to defend his 2022 triumph in New York.

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Edited by Urvi Mehra