NEW YORK -- It looked like Stefanos Tsitsipas was having a problem with Carlos Alcaraz, 18 years old,'s crosscourt forehand.
It was extremely fast and came in at an extreme angle. Before Tsitsipas could make a readjust to the defense to return the crosscourt forehand, if he was able to do so at all -- Alcaraz followed the drop shot. Tsitsipas moved from the far side of the court to face the front because of that soft touch.
Tsitsipas was not a consistent player throughout the match, but he had his moments. Tsitsipas lost his second match of five sets and fourth in a row, which lasted four hours and more, 6-3, 4-6 7-6, 7-6, 0-6, 7-6, 7-6.
Tsitsipas stated that it was one of those matches, where you feel in control and the match doesn't go your way at end.
He has experienced those moments many times since the French Open final in June.
Tsitsipas' fairytale French Open run saw him become the first ever Greek player to reach a Grand Slam final. He beat Alexander Zverev in five sets. In the final against world number. After leading two sets to love, Novak Djokovic plundered and lost the three remaining sets. He is still not well. Tennis Major Pick 'Em: Make your picks to compete for $1,000 Take Your Picks
He was one of the favourites to win Wimbledon, but he lost in the first round to American Frances Tiafoe. He lost in three sets to Ugo Humbert of France at the Olympics.
Friday's match against Alcaraz was another example of the same mistakes made throughout the year, in failing to capitalize on big breaks.
Alcaraz was consistent so when Tsitsipas lost his focus, he took off, not giving the No. The No. 3 seed was given another chance.
Tsitsipas was astonished.
"[Alcaraz] was hitting winners after my first return, just being so in control which was quite surprising especially in the fifth set. Tsitsipas stated that he didn't expect to see his level rise so dramatically.
"I was applying pressure on my return by returning very deep. He said that he didn't know how hard he needed to push his return to maintain pressure.
After a four-hour match in which he had no control at all, Tsitsipas mainly played defense and struggled to take control when Alcaraz hit a forehand to the other end of his court.
He was playing not only against the Spaniard at 18 years old, but also against an enthusiastic Arthur Ashe crowd that was always on Alcaraz’s side. Before break, they chanted "Carlos Carlos" and booed Tsitsipas when they had the chance. It happened once after a time violation warning, and again after a coaching violation warning.
"I feel like people. They don't get it. They're here to watch the show. They love tennis. They are very impatient, especially with the younger generation. He said that they just want it done quickly.
Tsitsipas spoke out about Alcaraz's talent and said that the youngster is a contender for Grand Slam titles. Editor's Picks: Alcaraz, 18 stuns Tsitsipas. Tiafoe tops Rublev
Tsitsipas furious at Aishwarya Kumar's'sudden 'furor about toilet breaks
Tsitsipas on the boos: Toilet breaks are not against the rules 2
Alcaraz had a remarkable year. He qualified for the main draw at the 2021 Australian Open aged 17 and won the first round against Botic van der Zandschulp, a qualifier. He became the youngest ever winner of the Madrid Open. He beat Adrian Mannarino from France and lost to Rafael Nadal on his 18th birthday. He also reached the Round of 16 at Winston-Salem Open after his appearance in the third round at the French Open.
Tsitsipas' win against Alcaraz on Friday was his biggest in the largest tournament he has ever played. Alcaraz became the youngest player ever to defeat a top-three ATP professional since 1973, when the rankings were first introduced. Alcaraz also became the youngest player in the fourth round since 1989.
"I don't even know what happened on the court. It's unbelievable that Stefanos Tsitsipas beat me in such an epic match. It's a dream come real for me," he stated at the news conference.
Alcaraz has previously trained with Nadal and has stated that he enjoys Nadal’s training methods and how he hits the ball hard. He said Federer when asked which athlete's game most resembled his. He said, "Trying to be aggressive every time."
Tsitsipas stated that Tsitsipas's aggressiveness made him so valuable and dangerous.
"His ball speed is amazing. I have never seen anyone hit the ball as hard. It took some time to get used to it. It took me time to adapt my game to his style," Tsitsipas stated. "I've never seen anyone play such a great fifth set.
Tsitsipas stated that he was bitter after the match. He said it was one those matches where he left thinking that things weren't going his way, even though he felt in control. Tsitsipas said that if Alcaraz had lost the momentum, he would have won the tiebreaker in the third set if he had had a few more moments to his advantage. He said that he was still shocked to see Alcaraz return after his dominant performance in the fourth sets. It was a bagel, after a 45-second, three-minute bathroom break.
"I didn’t expect him to increase his level so much after losing the fourth set." Tsitsipas stated that he was a totally different player. Tsitsipas might be feeling bitter because of this. He has not reached Week 2 of the tournaments for three months, and he has already won three Grand Slams.
He will never get his rhythm back until then.
