Alcaraz lost 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to France’s Monfils in a second-round match that was postponed from the previous day due to rain.
The 21-year-old Spaniard, who won the French Open and Wimbledon titles this year, smashed his racket after failing to win against the 37-year-old Monfils in the third set.
“I’ve felt like breaking my racket at times,” Alcaraz said after the loss. “That never happened before, because I was able to control myself in that situation, in that emotion.
“I couldn’t control myself today. Like I said, I felt like I wasn’t playing tennis at all.”
The Olympic silver medalist later apologised for his actions. Official Instagram account, external And he said he would try to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again at the US Open, which starts on August 26.
“I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday. It was not good and that should not happen on the court,” he wrote.
“I’m human, and when I’m stressed out, it can be really hard to control myself.
“I’m going to try to make sure that never happens again. It’s time to think about NYC now!”
Monfils played against Rune and lost 3-6 6-3 6-4 to the Dane.
Meanwhile, women’s world number one Iga Sviatek has comfortably beaten Marta Kosturk 6-2 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open.
She will next play Mira Andreeva, who beat Italy’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini 3-6 6-3 6-2.
“I’m glad I’m solid. I’ve been disciplined about everything I’ve wanted to take care of,” Swiatek said.
Aryna Sabalenka won 7-5 6-2 over Elina Svitolina, Jessica Pegula won a delayed second-round match 5-7 6-4 6-2 over Karolina Muchova before beating Taylor Townsend 6-2 6-3 in her second match of the day.
