“Adults being schooled by a 21-year-old, how embarrassing” - Fans react as Carlos Alcaraz requests his supporters not to push kids at Cincinnati Open
Carlos Alcaraz was thronged by his numerous supporters after his practice session at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, graciously indulging their eager requests for autographs. However, the warm interaction was marred by the 21-year-old having to remind his adult fans to refrain from pushing forward, as children were lining the front.
Following his runner-up finish in Cincinnati last year, Alcaraz is aiming to go one step further in his campaign at this year's ATP Masters 1000 event. Fresh off his silver medal win at the Paris Olympics, the Spaniard is set to commence his North American hardcourt swing ahead of the US Open.
After his latest practice session at the Cincinnati Open, the 21-year-old took the time to greet the fans who had gathered to see him. However, some supporters became overly enthusiastic about his approach, prompting the World No. 3 to quickly remind them not to push the children at the front in their haste.
"There are kids in front alright. Don't push alright," Carlos Alcaraz said.
Tennis fans were shocked that 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz had to teach adults how to behave, criticizing them for their "embarrassing" conduct.
"Aged 21, having to show how to behave to full grown up a**es," one fan commented.
"Full grown adults having to be told that… freaks," another fan chimed in.
"Adults being schooled by a 21 year old. How embarrassing. Well done Carlitos 👏👏," said another.
Others, meanwhile, praised the World No. 3 for his "thoughtful" gesture, attributing his kindness to his upbringing.
"By a 21 year old who is basically a kid himself. Boy was raised right 💪," one fan posted.
"Kind and thoughtful. ♥️♥️♥️," another fan wrote.
"Carlos the man that you are," a fan commented.
"Such a thoughtful champion! He’ll be a crowd favourite for many years to come," said yet another.
"I’m fighting for being No. 1 in the race" - Carlos Alcaraz ahead of 'really important' Cincinnati Open campaign
Carlos Alcaraz, who trails World No. 1 Jannik Sinner by 450 points in the live Race to the ATP Finals, has shed light on his aim to finish the year as World No. 1. Speaking to the ATP ahead of his Cincinnati Open campaign, the Spaniard highlighted the importance of the Masters 1000 event in achieving his goal.
"I’m fighting for being No. 1 in the race, that's something that I really want to to do as soon as possible, if I could do it in the future. This one is a really important tournament, really good tournament for me. So I'm going to try to play good tennis, try to play same level as I was playing, and let's see," Carlos Alcaraz said.
Following a first-round bye, the World No. 3 will be up against the winner of the clash between Gael Monfils and Canadian Open champion Alexei Popyrin in his opening match at the Cincinnati Open.
Alcaraz will likely face Holger Rune in a blockbuster third-round clash at the ATP Masters 1000 event, with the likes of Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas looming as his potential quarterfinal opponents.