NEW YORK — Rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about a moment of genuine fear during his second-round match at the 2024 US Open, a contest that was abruptly suspended due to a severe weather warning and punctuated by a tense on-court dispute. The young Spaniard admitted, "I was scared," after turning his ankle early in the first set, an injury that required immediate treatment and cast a shadow over his title defense.
A Sudden Twist Under the Lights
The highly anticipated night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium took an unexpected turn just 22 minutes into the match against South Africa's Lloyd Harris. With Alcaraz leading 3-2 and serving at 30-15, he lunged for a wide ball, his right foot slipping on the baseline. The world number three immediately clutched his ankle, his face contorted in pain. After a few tentative steps, he called for the trainer, bringing the match to a halt. The atmosphere, once electric with anticipation, turned to one of palpable concern as the 21-year-old received extensive medical attention on the court.
Alcaraz later described the moment with startling candor. "When I slipped, I felt a sharp pain straight away," he revealed in his post-match press conference. "For a few seconds, I was really scared. I thought it could be something serious, like what happened in Rio. That was the first thing that came to my mind, and it was a scary feeling." The reference was to a sprained ankle that had forced him to retire from a tournament in Rio de Janeiro earlier in the year, an injury that sidelined him for several weeks.
Tension in the Player's Box
As the medical team worked on Alcaraz's ankle, television cameras captured a heated exchange between his coach, former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, and his physical trainer, Alberto Lledó. The two were seen engaged in an animated discussion, with Ferrero appearing to express significant frustration. This public display of discord within his support team added another layer of drama to an already chaotic evening.
When asked about the incident, Alcaraz downplayed its significance, attributing it to the high-stress situation. "They are two passionate people who want what's best for me," he explained. "In tense moments like that, when you see a player get injured, emotions can run high. They were just discussing the situation, maybe what the best next step was. It's normal. They are a great team, and it's already forgotten." Despite his reassurances, the incident highlighted the immense pressure surrounding the young champion as he navigates the challenges of defending a major title.
The Official's Intervention and Suspension
Shortly after Alcaraz resumed play, having his ankle heavily taped, tournament officials made the decision to suspend the match. The reason was not the injury, but an approaching severe weather system, with lightning detected in the vicinity of Flushing Meadows. The unexpected pause, while disruptive, arguably worked in Alcaraz's favor, giving him additional time to receive further treatment and for the initial shock and pain to subside.
The sequence of events leading to the suspension was critical:
- The Injury: Alcaraz slips and turns his ankle, requiring a medical timeout.
- The Argument: A visible dispute erupts between coaches Ferrero and Lledó.
- The Weather: An official intervenes, suspending play due to the incoming storm.
A Resilient Return to Court
After a delay of approximately 90 minutes, the players returned to a now-empty Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the late hour meaning the crowd had been evacuated. The break proved beneficial for Alcaraz. He moved with noticeably more freedom and quickly broke Harris's serve, going on to claim the first set 6-3. Any lingering doubts about his mobility were dispelled in the second set, where he showcased his characteristic explosive power and breathtaking shot-making to secure a 7-6(2) lead before the match was suspended for the night, with Alcaraz leading two sets to love.
Reflecting on his ability to bounce back, Alcaraz credited the medical team and the time afforded by the delay. "The physio did a great job. We iced it, taped it, and during the break I was able to test it and move it a little more," he said. "When I went back out, the fear was gone. I was still aware of it, but I could move almost normally and focus on playing my game."
This resilience is becoming a hallmark of the young Spaniard's career. He has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to overcome physical setbacks mid-match, a mental fortitude that belies his age. His performance after the injury scare sent a clear message to the rest of the draw: he remains a formidable contender for the title, capable of battling through adversity.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Tournament
The incident, while ultimately not derailing Alcaraz's progress, raises questions about the physical toll of the modern game and the pressure on young athletes. For Alcaraz, the immediate concern is recovery. He is scheduled to face British player Dan Evans in the third round, and while he expressed optimism, he acknowledged the need for caution. "We will see how it feels tomorrow. We will do more treatment, but I am confident I will be ready to play."
The broader implications for the US Open are significant. With top rivals like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner progressing smoothly, any physical limitation for Alcaraz could prove decisive in the later stages of the tournament. The scare also serves as a reminder of the fine margins in professional sports, where a single misstep can alter the course of a championship. For one night in New York, Carlos Alcaraz faced a moment of true fear, but his subsequent response demonstrated the champion's spirit that has already made him a two-time major winner.