Australian Open – Carlos Alcaraz: “A loss of tennis sensations”

Certainly, Carlos Alcaraz continued his path without trembling too much. But he lost his first set of the tournament. And as the exceptional champion that he is, as the perfectionist, he did not hide the fact that he was not satisfied with his performance. “He is a very solid and talented player. So I'm happy with my level overall. But I could be better. I made too many mistakes in certain parts of the match and I know I have a lot of areas to improve“, recognized the world number 3.

After a well-run first set then a well-launched second, Carlos Alcaraz appeared less dominant. Showing himself incapable of taking the Portuguese's service before losing the set on a poorly negotiated tie-break. “What happened today was not a mental disconnection, but a loss of tennis sensations“, recognized Alcaraz (21 years old).

Less at ease, the Spaniard nevertheless knew how to keep his calm to find his feet and resume management of operations. “I started playing poorly in the latter part of the second set and in the third I didn't look good at all. I told myself that I had to find my feelings in the fourth because otherwise, it could become complicated for me“, he admitted.

If he dropped a round during this period of uncertainty, the main thing is there: he continues his journey, he who can become the youngest player to have won the four Grand Slam tournaments. And while a new generation takes advantage of this Australian Open to show itself, Carlos Alcaraz almost acts as an old hand. “I was a little surprised by their level. I don't know what ranking they will get, what they will achieve… but they have a lot of potential. I talk like I'm 30 years old. And I'm only two years older than them (smile),” the Spaniard laughed about Jakub Mensik, Joao Fonseca and Learner Tien.

If he follows their development at the highest level with particular attention, Carlos Alcaraz wants to be wary. “They are gaining experience. They will become even more dangerous,” he warns of his young hopefuls whom he risks meeting regularly in the coming years. Amused to find himself in this position at 21 years old, “Carlitos” however has some humorous advice to give them: “Don’t beat me”.