PARIS: Spain's Carlos Alcaraz said he could walk away with his head held high after coming up just short in his quest for gold in his debut Olympics, losing to Novak Djokovic in a superb men's final at Roland Garros on Sunday.
Two months ago Alcaraz walked off Court Philippe Chatrier all smiles after beating Alexander Zverev to win the French Open before going on to beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.
This time, on the same Parisian dirt, he was almost inconsolable after losing 7-6(3) 7-6(2) to the inspired Serb he described afterwards as 'hungry for gold'.
"He didn't let me take the chances, so I have to give credit to him as well," Alcaraz, who rued failing to convert any of the eight break points that came his way, told reporters.
"I'm really proud and I'm leaving the court and leaving the tournament with the head really high, knowing that I gave everything on the court.
"I'm really happy about my performance today, probably a little bit disappointed about not playing at my best status in some situations, in difficult situations. But I will be back stronger and learn from this."
The four-time Grand Slam champion said his tears after the match were because he felt like he "let down Spain", adding that the extra pressure of playing for the flag rather than himself had affected him at some crucial moments on Sunday.
But no one who has watched the passion the 21-year-old brought to his first Olympic tournament, in singles and doubles, alongside Rafael Nadal, could criticise him.
Certainly not two-time Olympic gold-medallist Nadal.
"Carlos, although I know that today is a difficult day, appreciate a medal that is very important for the whole country," 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal said in an Instagram post. "Thank you for this incredible week and for a medal that you give to Spanish sport."
Despite having to settle for silver, Alcaraz said his first taste of the Olympics had been special.
"This has been a different week, it's not what we're used to. There's the Olympic village, all the athletes. You can watch other sports, you can root for Spain in different disciplines," he said. "Tennis is usually very lonely, you're usually by yourself but this week I played with Rafa, my idol.
"I've learnt from him so it's been a wonderful week. This was my dream when I was a little boy, I wanted to play at the Olympic Games, play for Spain." --REUTERS