ALCARAZ lose to Djokovic: My whole body cramps in the third set

Number one in the ATP ranking carlos alcaraz (Spain) held a press conference after losing to Novak Djokovic (Serbia, ATP 3) in the 2023 French Open 1/2 final match:

“Carlitos, you’re out of luck. Can you tell us what happened at the beginning of the third set?

– To be honest, it was very difficult for me. To be honest, I disappointed myself. I went into the game with good feelings, in form, and these cramps at the end of the second set and the beginning of the third – it was really embarrassing. But these things happen and I have to deal with them.

– Can you describe exactly the feeling you experienced and was it not just in your leg but in your whole body? How painful was it?

– I can say that the first set and the second set were very, very intense and my arm started to cramp. At the beginning of the third set, cramps started to occur not only in my legs but also in my whole body. Including all parts of the legs as well as the hands. It was very difficult for me to move in the third set and let’s say I had a small chance in the fourth set, but it was really hard. His whole body was in convulsions.

– Do you know why? Do you think the situation of the match affected you or is it because you didn’t get enough food and drink?

Yes, tension. Match tension. I was very nervous in the beginning. The first two sets were very competitive. Very good games, heavy games, dropshots, sprints, trades. It is a combination of many things. But you know what really matters is the tension in the first two sets.