Carlos Alcaraz described playing Novak Djokovic in a Grand Slam quarterfinal as "the worst thing" and also hailed the Serb's level during their matchup as "unbelievable."
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After winning two Slams last year and getting to four Majors, the Spaniard entered this year's Happy Slam hoping to finally reach his maiden semifinal at Melbourne Park - and not only that - but also win the tournament.
And while he was one of the top favorites for the main glory, his breakthrough Australian Open run didn't come this year after Djokovic handed him a 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 defeat.
Since the Serb was seeded at No. 7 in Melbourne this year, that's why his match with Alcaraz came before the semifinal or final stage.
"I really wanted to win the tournament and felt I was able to but Novak played an unbelievable match. Facing Novak in the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam is the worst thing," the 21-year-old reflected.
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"It was a pretty good match. I have tried to take the good things about that match and will look ahead now."
Alcaraz caught a cold after the Australian Open
After concluding his first tournament of the year, the former world No. 1 returned home to Spain but was unlucky enough to catch a cold.
However, he has managed to recover and is ready to return to action at this week's ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam.
"I spent a few days at home after Australia, but I got a cold. I was struggling a little bit at home. I could only train for two days and then I had to rest until the cold got better;" Alcaraz said.
"But spending time at home, it doesnt matter if you are sick, it is always great, having your family there. It allows you to be fresh mentally, to travel again."
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In Rotterdam, the Spanish tennis star is the No. 1 seed.
In what will be his first-ever match at the Dutch event, Alcaraz will battle against local player Botic van de Zandschulp, who upset him at the US Open last year.
