Alcaraz says sorry for racquet smash in ‘worst’ career loss

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a forehand during his match against Gael Monfils of France during Day 5 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on Aug. 15, 2024 in Ohio. (AFP)
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Updated 17 August 2024
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Alcaraz says sorry for racquet smash in ‘worst’ career loss

  • The Spaniard erupted in frustration at his game against the French veteran
  • “I want to apologize for my attitude yesterday, it was not good and that should not happen on court,” he posted

CINCINNATI, USA: Carlos Alcaraz made his apologies on Saturday, a day after smashing his racquet in fury during a second-round loss to Gael Monfils at the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Open.
The Spaniard, who currently owns both the French Open and Wimbledon titles, erupted in frustration at his game against the French veteran.
The Spanish second seed called his 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 defeat the “worst match” of his career.
But he took to Instagram on Saturday to calm the waters as he prepares to make amends on court at the US Open.
“I want to apologize for my attitude yesterday, it was not good and that should not happen on court,” he posted.
“I’m human, the nerves had accumulated and sometimes it is very tough to control when there is that tension. I will work so that it doesn’t happen again.”


Nigeria’s Chukwueze calls for AFCON to get same respect as World Cup

Updated 25 December 2025
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Nigeria’s Chukwueze calls for AFCON to get same respect as World Cup

  • “Everybody wants to play in AFCON. It’s one of the best competitions in the world,” Chukwueze told On Sports TV

Nigeria forward Samuel Chukwueze believes the Africa Cup of Nations should be given the same level of ​respect as the World Cup and the European Championship following controversy over the timing of the tournament in Morocco.
Initially scheduled to take place in the summer, this year’s AFCON was scheduled for December 21-January 18, depriving ‌leading European clubs ‌of key players ‌participating ⁠in ​it ‌at a crucial stage of the domestic season. “Everybody wants to play in AFCON. It’s one of the best competitions in the world,” Chukwueze told On Sports TV. “You have to respect the AFCON ⁠the same way you respect the European Championship ‌or World Cup.”
The Fulham winger ‍will miss six ‍games for his club if Nigeria ‍reach the round of 16.
“We understand they scheduled it at the wrong time of the year, but when it’s important, ​if you get recalled you have to go,” he said. “You don’t have ⁠any choice, your club can’t stop you and no one should say anything bad about the AFCON. Yes, they put it at the wrong time, but saying it’s not a good competition or a great competition is unacceptable.”
Chukwueze helped Nigeria secure an opening 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C ‌ahead of their second game against Tunisia on Saturday.