Carlos Alcaraz achieves sensational Olympics feat as he steamrolls his way into gold medal match
Carlos Alcaraz demolished Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics to advance to the gold medal match.
The Spanish star produced a devastating display to steamroll Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 6-1 in just an hour and 15 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Alcaraz broke the world No 19 five times and did not face a break point on his own serve as he won a fifth consecutive straight-set match in Paris. The world No 3 now holds a 4-3 record against the 23-year-old Canadian.
The 21-year-old, who is competing at the Olympics for the first time, is now on a 12-match winning streak having defended his Wimbledon title in his previous event.
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The four-time Grand Slam champion is looking to win a third big tournament this summer following his French Open and Wimbledon victories.
Alcaraz has broken Marc Rosset’s record to become the youngest men’s singles finalist at the Olympics since tennis returned to the Games in 1988. He is the second-youngest Olympic men’s finalist of all time after America’s Robert LeRoy in 1904.
The Spaniard will face either Novak Djokovic or Lorenzo Musetti in the gold medal match and he is a heavy favourite to triumph. There are concerns over Djokovic’s knee injury, while an Olympic final would be the biggest match of Musetti’s career by far.
In an on-court interview, Alcaraz was asked if he felt his win over Auger-Aliassime was his best match of tournament.
“Probably,” Alcaraz replied. “I have to say yesterday was a really tough day for Felix. Playing a really tough match in singles and playing mixed doubles as well.
“He finished late. It’s difficult for him to rest and he probably couldn’t give his best tennis physically. I have to say that.
“But I have to be focused on my game. I’m really happy with my performance. One of the best in this tournament so far. I’m really happy with the feeling.”
On becoming the second-youngest man to ever reach an Olympic gold medal match, Alcaraz said: “I’m gonna act like I didn’t hear that.
“Honestly it’s gonna be a really special moment for me in my life and career. I’ll try to enjoy this moment. It’s gonna be difficult for sure, but it’s gonna be special.
“I’ll try to focus on myself. I’ll try not to bear all the fans and people saying I’m gonna win. I just wanna give my 100% and my best tennis. Hopefully I’ll reach my goal to get the old.”
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