Alcaraz heads to USO without a hardcourt match win

Carlos Alcaraz produced what he claimed was the only racquet demolition of his career as the second seed crashed out 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 to French veteran Gael Monfils on Friday at the Cincinnati Masters.

The Spaniard who played the final here last year against Novak Djokovic was almost unrecognisable on court as he lost a match which was concluded after a rain interruption the night before.

The 37-year-old Monfils showed that he’s not done yet as he added another Top 3 scalp to his career collection.

Alcaraz was today frustrated by his limited level: “It was the worst match that I ever played in my career – I couldn’t play.

“I don’t know what happened. Honestly, I couldn’t, I couldn’t control myself. I couldn’t be better. It was impossible to win, and that’s all.

“I came here thinking I’m gonna feel good. I’m gonna put in a good tennis, because I know how to play on this court.”

The ATP No. 3 now move onto prepare for the US Open without a hardcourt match win this summer.

Alcaraz committed 40 unforced errors while Monfils had 48 in victory along with 15 aces in a match halted by rain Thursday night during the tie-breaker.

Meanwhile, top-seeded birthday boy Jannik Sinner turned 23 and got a walkover into the quarter-finals when Australian Jordan Thompson pulled out before their match with a rib injury.

Sinner will now get a chance at revenge after losing last week in the Montreal quarter-finals Andrey Rublev, who beat . Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (5), 6-1 here. 

Fifth seed Alexander Zverev defeated Pablo Carreno Busta 7-5, 7-6 (6). to reach the last eight while Norway;’s seventh seeded Casper Ruud lost 6-3, 6-1 to Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in 68 minutes.