US OPEN

September 7, 2021

Carlos Alcaraz

Press Conference

F. AUGER-ALIASSIME/C. Alcaraz

6-3, 3-1 (ret.)

THE MODERATOR: Your thoughts on tonight.

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Well, it's really tough to end a great tournament like this. I mean, I had no choice to still playing. I mean, first of all I have to take care of my body, yeah, to still healthy, no? It a long match and, yeah, I didn't feel good to still playing, so I had to retire.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Can you tell us what was wrong with you, the physical problem?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: I mean, the right adductor is the principal problem for me.

Q. How much of an effect did having to play consecutive five-set matches last two rounds have?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Sorry?

Q. How much of a problem was it having to play two five-set matches before today?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: I mean, to play two matches fifth sets in a row, play in a great level, in a great intensity like four hours, it's really tough for me. I am not used to play these kind of matches in a row.

Yeah, I think it's really tough to recover to the next matches.

Q. Was this a pain before the match or did you get hurt during the match?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Before the match I feel it. I feel it. During the match I start the match with control the pain. In the end of the first set and beginning of the second set it started to improve, the pain, little by little. Yeah, it started to improve the pain a little bit.

Q. From the high of the other night with the huge upset, then to go to this where you couldn't play, describe your emotions.

(Translated to Spanish.)

CARLOS ALCARAZ: I don't know how to answer to this question. It has been a great emotions in the tournament. But I have no deception on myself to have to retire in the quarterfinals. It has been a great tournament for me.

I have only positive feelings in this tournament. I have no deception on myself.

Q. How important do you think all these big matches you've played in the past week and a half will be moving forward?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Yeah, these matches gave me a lot of experience. So I think this tournament made me mature a lot. I think, yeah, I played a great tennis for me. I'm really happy to play a first quarterfinals in a Grand Slam.

I think this tournament's going to be a great experience for me for the next tournaments.