"Just stop" - Nick Kyrgios slams journalist for criticizing Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open 2R loss while suggesting women's tennis is tougher

Nick Kyrgios defended Carlos Alcaraz after journalist, Ben Rothenberg, criticized his shocking second-round defeat at the 2024 US Open. Rothenberg argued that men have more room for error due to the five-set- format, while women cannot afford similar mistakes in shorter matches.

Alcaraz faced a shocking straight-set defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open on August 30. The Dutchman dominated from the start, taking the first set 6-1. Although Alcaraz put up more resistance in the second, Van de Zandschulp clinched it 7-5 before sealing the match with a 6-4 win in the third set.

Carlos Alcaraz's performance wasn't well-received by journalist Ben Rothenberg, who criticized the 4 time Major champion saying that his defeat is the response to those who claim that men's tennis is harder than women's.

"Next time someone tries to tell you it’s “harder” to win a men’s slam than a women’s because of best of five, show them this match. No woman could afford playing so badly for so long as Alcaraz is tonight. He has so much rope, and he’s tying some goofy knots with it right now," Rothenberg said on X.

Kyrgios countered Rothenberg by citing the Evans vs. Khachanov US Open first-round match, where Khachanov led 4-0 in the final set but Evans rallied to win, highlighting the unpredictability of best-of-five matches. The 29-year-old argued that Rothenberg, who lacks experience playing in New York's intense heat, shouldn't comment on the issue.

"Bruh just stop at this point. Evans & Khachanov’s first match 😴 I agree there is not as much room for error at TIMES. But clearly you haven’t been involved in much physical activity? Do you understand how hard it is to play for 5 and a half hours in that heat Ben?" Kyrgios wrote in the comments.

After triumphing over Alcaraz, Botic van de Zandschulp will face the 25th-seeded Jack Draper in the third round.

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Carlos Alcaraz received a humorous compliment from Nick Kyrgios for his sleeveless on-court outfit at US Open 1R

Carlos Alacaraz at Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 9 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz made waves for wearing Nike's "Men's Fall Slam Sleeveless Top" during his first-round match against Li Tu. After his victory, Alcaraz appeared in an on-court interview with Nick Kyrgios, who humorously praised his fashion choice.

"This is a question for lot of the people in the crowd and myself. I love when you wear singlets out on court here. And I want to know did you design this yourself? Because your arms are looking sensational!" Kyrgios asked. [ at 2:06]

Alcaraz, while chuckling, responded that he enjoys wearing singlets, sometimes to intimidate opponents, but chose it in New York due to the humid conditions.

"I love playing with singlets as well. In some tournaments – specific tournaments, I want to play with singlet probably just to make fear to the opponents, or I try. But here in New York it’s so hot; so humid, you try not to sweat a lot, I’m glad you like it. Yeah, I obviously like playing with that," Carlos Alcaraz responded.

The second-round defeat in New York marked Carlos Alcaraz's earliest exit at a Grand Slam since the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Moreover, the Spaniard managed to win just a match after his campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, having lost 4-6, 7-7 (7-5), 6-4 in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open to Gaël Monfils.