Cincinnati’s masters has not only given us very high level tennis, but also an episode of incendiary statements that has put the ATP circuit upside down. The protagonist: Luca Nardi, a young Italian promise who, after falling defeated against Carlos Alcaraz in Third Ronda, decided to light the fuse with a few words that have resonated in every corner of sport.

“Carlos Alcaraz only won because the rain interrupted him, and fortunately, he broke my rhythm,” Nardi told a press conference, with a serious gesture and the voice full of frustration. But what really left those present was the phrase that he pronounced below: “I have no respect for being Rafa’s partner.”

The reference to Rafael Nadal, compatriot of Alcaraz in the Davis Cup and one of the most respected idols in the world of tennis, did not go unnoticed. The journalists present exchanged looks, aware that those words were going to generate headlines in minutes.

The game, played under an unstable climate, was interrupted by a long pause due to the rain when Nardi led 4-2 in the first set. After the resumption, Alcaraz raised his level, he took the partial 7-5 and then sealed the victory with a 6-3 solid in the second.

For Nardi, the pause was an unfair turning point:

“I was in total control, and the interruption changed everything. He returned cooler, with another energy. I don’t feel he has won my own merits,” he said.

What in principle seemed like a relief on the conditions of the party became a capital controversy with his comment towards Nadal. Many interpreted the phrase as a lack of respect not only towards Alcaraz, but also towards one of the greatest icons of Spanish sport.

In social networks, the reactions did not wait. The hashtag #Respetoarafa became a trend in Spain, while in Italy the opinions were divided between those who defended the sincerity of Nardi and those who accused him of reckless.

Alcaraz, known for his calm and humble character, soon reacting. However, instead of entering a verbal war, he opted for a short response that has been widely celebrated by its maturity:

“On the track we talk to the racket, and today, mine spoke higher.”

The phrase, also published in their networks next to a photo celebrating the victory, accumulated millions of visualizations in a few hours and was replicated by international means such asThe Team, MarkyESPN.

Several former players and commentators spoke about the incident. The legendary Juan Carlos Ferrero, coach of Alcaraz, defended his pupil and released a clear message:

“Carlos respects all his rivals and does not need to enter controversies. What happened on the track was his merit, regardless of rain.”

For his part, Fabio Fognini, compatriot of Nardi and known for his temperament, said with irony:

“If it were for the rain, I would have 10 Grand Slams.”

Even Rafael Nadal, alluded to indirectly in the controversy, was asked about the subject. His answer, faithful to his style, was diplomatic:

“I have always believed that respect among colleagues is fundamental. Emotions after a game can lead to things that one does not really feel.”

The episode has opened a debate about the pressure faced by young players in the circuit and how to manage frustrations. Some fans consider that Nardi simply let himself be carried away and that he should not be crucified by a hot comment. Others believe that their words reflect a lack of professionalism that could cost sympathies and sponsors.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz continues his way in the tournament with his eyes on the title and to continue consolidating himself as the number 1 in the world. Nardi, on the other hand, has kept silent from the press conference, although some Italian media say that he prepares a statement to clarify his statements.

Cincinnati will go down in history not only for the quality of tennis, but for this episode that recalls that, beyond technique and tactics, sport is also a scenario where emotions, pride and pressure play invisible matches.

If something has made this verbal confrontation clear, in modern tennis, a game does not end with the last point: sometimes, the real game begins in the press room.