Carlos Alcaraz was shocked at Annabel Croft’s line of questioning moments after he lost the Wimbledon final in four sets to Jannik Sinner. The Spanish star, 23, won the tournament in the previous two editions and was aiming for a hat-trick before being stopped by the world No. 1.
But instead on reflecting on the 6-4 4-6 4-6 4-6 defeat, Croft looked towards the future. And Alcaraz was as surprised as anyone when Croft, who was conducting the on-court interview, said that the crowd hoped to see him again and asked if he would be back at the tournament. He took a moment and did a double-take before replying: “Absolutely.”
Alcaraz did not appear certain if Croft was asking about competing at Wimbledon, or in the final, again and the crowd also acted perplexed as an awkward pause took place before the runner-up replied.
“For sure I am going to be back,” Alcaraz said as he continued laughing. “As I have said many times, Wimbledon is one of the most beautiful tournaments if not the most beautiful tournament that we have on tour.
“I just feel at home every time that I come here, such a beautiful court. I love playing here, I love playing for all of you, the atmosphere is insane each time that I play here. I have to say thank you and I am going to be back for sure.”
Asked for his immediate thoughts on the final, Alcaraz added: “It is always difficult to lose even if it is in the final. I have to congratulate Jannik once again. It is really well deserved and an unbelievable two weeks for you here in London.
“For your team as well, I know there are a lot of family and friends that flew out for you. I am really happy for you. Keep it going. It is great to build a great rivalry and you made me improve every day. Congratulations.
“Really happy and proud of everything. At the beginning I struggled on and off the court. But suddenly I started to bring joy onto the court again and that excitement that I have every time I step on the court is down to my family and friends.
“Without them, it would not be possible. It is a great journey so far and I just want to keep going and to keep bringing joy onto the court. I have my team to thank for so much.”
He also made a point to thank the King of Spain, Felipe VI, for making the journey and attending the final.
“I also have to say thank you to the King of Spain,” he continued. “For me, it is an honour having you in the stands and flying here to watch. I am really grateful and thank you so much for coming.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
