NEW YORK — Fresh off his second US Open championship victory, Spanish tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz has expressed a surprising sentiment of disappointment regarding the immediate aftermath of his triumph, despite being photographed at a celebratory party with models and friends. The 21-year-old captured his fourth Grand Slam title on Sunday, defeating Alexander Zverev in a grueling four-set final, 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.
In a press conference held before his departure from New York, Alcaraz revealed a bittersweet feeling about the celebrations, or lack thereof, that followed his monumental win. "It's a strange feeling, to work so hard for a moment and then it feels like it's over in a blink," the world No. 3 confessed. "You dream of holding that trophy, and you imagine the celebration will be this huge, endless party. But the reality is you are exhausted, physically and emotionally."
The Elusive High of Victory
Alcaraz detailed the anticlimactic hours following his win at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Instead of an explosive, all-night celebration, the champion described a more subdued scene. "There is media, there is doping control, there are obligations," he explained. "By the time you are done, the adrenaline has crashed. You just want to sit quietly for a moment and process what you have done."
This feeling of post-victory emptiness, sometimes referred to as "achievement depression," is not uncommon among elite athletes who have poured every ounce of their being into a singular goal. The mental and physical letdown after the intense pressure of a two-week tournament can be profound. Alcaraz’s comments shed light on the often-overlooked psychological toll of winning at the highest level.
A Night Out in New York City
Despite his initial feelings, Alcaraz did eventually partake in more traditional championship festivities. He was spotted later that night at the renowned Catch NYC rooftop restaurant and lounge, where he was joined by his team, friends, and a group of models, including Brazilian fitness influencer Barbara Piedade.
Photographs and videos from the evening quickly circulated on social media, showing a smiling Alcaraz posing for pictures and enjoying the company of his guests. The scene appeared to be a classic champion's celebration, a stark contrast to the disappointment he voiced just hours earlier.
When asked about the apparent contradiction, Alcaraz clarified his position. "I am a young man, of course I want to enjoy my success with my friends! The party was fun, and I am grateful to everyone who celebrated with me," he stated. "But the feeling I was talking about is internal. It’s the moment right after. The trophy is won, the job is done. That specific chapter is closed."
The Unrelenting Grind of the Tour
A significant part of Alcaraz's reflection focused on the relentless nature of the professional tennis calendar. There is little time to bask in glory. His immediate focus has already shifted to the upcoming Laver Cup and the Asian swing of the tour.
"The tour does not stop," he remarked with a tone of weary acceptance. "You win on Sunday, and by Tuesday you are already thinking about your next match, your next tournament. You have to reset your goals immediately."
This rapid context switch is a hallmark of a champion's mentality but comes at a cost. Alcaraz’s candidness highlights the unique challenges faced by modern athletes:
- Mental Whiplash: The need to instantly move on from a career-defining high.
- Physical Recovery: Overcoming the deep fatigue of a best-of-five-set Grand Slam.
- Public Scrutiny: Every move, including off-court celebrations, is analyzed and often judged.
Looking Ahead: The Chase for No. 1
With the US Open title, Alcaraz solidified his status as a dominant force in the post-Big Three era. However, his victory in New York was not enough to immediately reclaim the World No. 1 ranking from Jannik Sinner, a fact that adds another layer of motivation.
"The ranking is a big goal," Alcaraz admitted. "It shows consistency. Winning Slams is the ultimate goal, but being No. 1 means you have been the best player across the whole season. That is what I am working for now."
His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has often spoken about managing the young star's expectations and energy. This latest revelation about the emotional complexity of winning will undoubtedly be another area for their team to navigate as they plot a course through the remainder of a long season.
A Moment of Maturity
Ultimately, Alcaraz's disappointment is not a sign of ingratitude but rather a marker of his profound maturity and deep understanding of his profession. He is learning that the pinnacle of sport is not just about the trophy lift, but about managing the entire emotional spectrum that comes with it.
"I will never take a single victory for granted," he affirmed. "Each one is special. Maybe the celebration I dream of is not a party, but the feeling of knowing I have improved. That is the real celebration for me."
His ability to articulate this complex emotional landscape sets him apart. While the images from Catch NYC show a champion enjoying his night, his words reveal a young man already hungry for the next challenge, his brief moment of disappointment merely fuel for the fire that drives him forward.