Carlos Alcaraz sends message to Ben Shelton on social media after losing to him at the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz was magnanimous in defeat earlier this week, after losing arguably the match of the tournament to Ben Shelton.

It saw his hugely impressive US Open run come to an end, decided in the most dramatic fashion by a fifth-set tiebreaker.

Before the event began, few expected the Spaniard to even get past the first week given how long he had been out for. To have reached the quarter-finals, and been so close to the semi-finals, must represent a great success.

He is clearly of that mind, and now, not long after Alcaraz issued a fitness update following that match, he has taken to Instagram to send his congratulations to Ben Shelton .

Carlos Alcaraz's parting message for Ben Shelton after losing at the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz 's first claim was one few could dispute: "What a battle Ben!"

It was a battle, lasting just shy of four and a half hours and finishing beyond 3:30 am, the latest in US Open history.

He continued: "You deserve the win, I wish you the best for the rest of the tournament! I leave here happy with my level after such a long injury. Thank you for the energy NYC! Always a very special place!"

Shelton simply replied: "Legend". He also made his own post, which read: "BELIEVE! @carlitosalcarazz what a match… ur an animal and sports icon. tennis needs you."

Alcaraz also spoke positively about Shelton's serve , and how he felt it proved pivotal in winning him their match.

Carlos Alcaraz's behind-the-scenes reaction to his loss to Ben Shelton says everything

Whilst privacy has been taken more seriously ever since Gauff started a movement at the Australian Open , there are still some behind-the-scenes shots which provide fans with a raw, more authentic reaction to such crushing losses.

Just days ago, Alex Eala was pictured looking emotional, rubbing her eyes after losing her iconic US Open battle to Iva Jovic.

However, the video that has emerged of Alcaraz's walk through the tunnel out of Arthur Ashe Stadium showed quite contrasting emotions.

Instead of looking downbeat, his head was held high, and he smiled, even laughed, he strode back to the locker room.

He knows this is just the beginning of his comeback, and this image of him smiling after such a heartbreaking defeat could prove to be quite iconic when we see him back winning the sport's biggest honours again. Given his performance over the last week and a half, we shouldn't have to wait long.