
via Imago
IMAGE COURTESY- IMAGO

via Imago
IMAGE COURTESY- IMAGO
Tennis can sometimes be a very ruthless sport, both physically and mentally. This was exactly what Carlos Alcaraz Garfia would have felt after losing to Novak Djokovic in the semifinal of the recently concluded French Open. He was fighting so hard, matching Djokovic in all areas, but unfortunately, his body didn’t allow him to give his best, eventually. French Open is also one of the most physically demanding tournaments ever in sports. So the former world no.1 had to learn it the hard way.
Paula Badosa, a fellow Spanish player herself, had some comforting words for Alcaraz, though. She herself is currently injured, so she understands what Alcaraz is going through very well. It is doubtful whether she would even play Wimbledon or not. Alcaraz was playing a superb match which was tightly contested until cramps came and hampered his movement totally.
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Paula Badosa sympathizes with Alcaraz
Paula Badosa, a former world no.2, has sympathized with her countryman Alcaraz who could only play substandard tennis after cramps set in the third set. Although the cramps were partially induced by Djokovic’s brilliance, one has to rue his ill luck given the timing of the fitness issue. She called Djokovic ‘an incredibly strong opponent’ and said that the match was being evenly contested.
Paula Badosa, the Spanish beauty and former French Open quarter-finalist, said that, “What happened with Carlos was a shame, he was playing very well, but he had an incredibly strong opponent. It was an even match. The cramp was a shame though.”
Paula Badosa on Alcaraz cramps at Roland Garros:
“What happened with Carlos was a shame, he was playing very well, but he had an incredibly strong opponent. It was an even match. The cramp was a shame though” pic.twitter.com/DFxRZWeKtk
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 23, 2023
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Taking nothing away from Djokovic, the injury was ill-timed and helped Djokovic with the momentum that he did not fail to capitalize. However, he has recovered from that well and has reached the quarterfinals of the Queen’s club championships.
Paula Badosa hails Novak Djokovic
Badosa called Djokovic a beast, mentally. She also said that he has probably the most complete game in tennis. Badosa also couldn’t help but applaud his impeccable fitness. She said, ” And physically he takes so much care of himself… It’s brutal. Right now you can’t say anything other than that he’s the best. He’s shown it. The numbers are the numbers.”
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Alcaraz doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone. He is already a Grand Slam champion and fought with Djokovic neck to neck. Fans will be hoping that Alcaraz’s cramps would heal soon and that he would be at his best at the Wimbledon championships.
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