The 21-year-old Alcaraz had been attempting to become the youngest Olympics men’s singles champion of all time, but described his loss as “painful” as he broke down in tears on court as he attempted to conduct a TV interview.
“I feel that I let the Spanish people down. I feel they were waiting for the gold medal,” said Alcaraz after his 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2) defeat.
“I got emotional because I couldn’t make the Spanish people proud. That’s (why) I got emotional.”
Victory would have continued Alcaraz’s golden summer in which he won a first French Open on the same Roland Garros courts which hosted the Olympics and then successfully defended his Wimbledon title by sweeping Djokovic off the court last month.
In Sunday’s final, which stretched to almost three hours, neither player dropped serve with a total of 14 break points carved out and successfully saved.
Alcaraz saw eight break points come and go on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“I’m a bit sad but I did a great tournament. It was a really great match and I’m really proud of myself,” he added.
I was facing a hungry Novak, he was very impressive today. He didn’t let me have many chances so credit to him and he deserves victory.”
Despite his disappointment, Alcaraz said he will learn from Sunday’s loss as he heads to North America and an assault on the US Open which he won in 2022.
