Carlos Alcaraz’s motivation to bounce back from his US Open loss | ATP Tour
Davis Cup Finals
Alcaraz’s motivation to bounce back from his US Open loss
The Spanish player played a major role in Spain’s victory over Czechia in the Davis Cup
September 12, 2024
Angel Martinez/Getty Images for ITF
Carlos Alcaraz fell to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of this year’s US Open.
By ATP staff
To say Carlos Alcaraz was disappointed with his US Open exit would be an understatement. The Spaniard, No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, took a few days off after bowing out early in the last Grand Slam of the season before heading to Valencia to join the Spanish team in the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage. On Wednesday, Alcaraz got back to winning ways with a two-match win against Czechia, defeating Tomas Machac in his singles match and then joining Marcel Granollers to find Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek.
“I needed it after the last few games, as I wasn’t feeling well,” explained the player from Murcia at the end of the day. “I felt more pressure to be number 1 in the first set, I was not comfortable, but I had to stay positive,” added Alcaraz. “The Davis Cup is special and you always want to do well.”
Alcaraz endured a tough day of tennis on Wednesday, taking to the court twice, doubling his usual match-day workload.
“It was a busy day, but I’m happy to have the opportunity to play singles and doubles,” said Alcaraz. “I’m trying to take the positives from my time in the US and use it so I don’t make the same mistakes again, I’m trying to improve mentally and grow in maturity,” he continued. “I’m very happy to be here, I’m looking forward to helping the team to go as far as possible.”
It was with this attitude that Alcaraz approached his first Davis Cup match of 2024, which turned out to be a difficult encounter. He would lose the first set and fight back to level the score before his Czech opponent withdrew injured.
“Yes, in the North American tournament I didn’t feel well during the games, that’s why I started to get nervous,” the Spaniard admitted. “I got opportunities even though I didn’t take them. I knew I would get more if I stayed mentally strong. After a very difficult first set, I was able to keep my head and make him feel the pressure. Despite all this, this is not how I would like to win games, but this is how it happens.”
Alcaraz will return to the court on Friday, when Spain face France in the second match of the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage.
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