|
10 Apr 2025 | 17.06
It's not easy living in the spotlight of a superstar at 21 years old. When you add up all the early successes accumulating for Carlos Alcaraz, the pressure multiplies. There are circumstances that can make things even more uncomfortable; for example, when your great generational rival is out of action and all eyes are on you. This is what the young man from Murcia has experienced in recent weeks, shifting the focus away from his own level... leading to a change in attitude towards this clay court season, confirmed by his first two victories at the ATP Masters 1000 in Montecarlo 2025. In the press conference and on Tennis Channel microphones, Carlos delved into this and several other aspects, in addition to his latest triumph over Daniel Altmaier.
- His feelings after the victory over Altmaier
"It was a tough match, especially because I had to stay very focused throughout. In the first set, in particular, it was a hard battle. At the start, we both played long exchanges, very close games; I think we both showed a high level. I believe I played very good tennis towards the end of the first set, being aggressive, striking the ball very well. Thanks to that, I started the second set with fewer nerves, more calmly, being more myself, aggressive with drop shots and constantly looking for my forehand. Overall, it was a tough match; Daniel is playing at a magnificent level."
- Do you feel more comfortable as the days go by? You seemed much more solid today than against Cerúndolo
"Yes, I feel more comfortable. When you arrive on a new surface, you need more game time to improve. From the first match, I realized how I should play on clay, that I must be myself all the time. That's how I enjoy playing tennis. Playing aggressively is not my only quality, and I realized that after the first set in the first round. I'm feeling better and better. The more time I spend on court, the better I'll feel. I think I'll improve, I'll keep moving and feeling better."
- His attention to numbers and rankings and how that has affected him in recent months
"I've been paying attention to the numbers and statistics... and I think it's wrong. I've realized that I just need to play tennis. I love tennis, I love stepping onto the court and delivering great shots, great matches, forgetting about rankings and everything else. I've realized that I have to do that, and here, on clay, I'm going to try: forget everything and just play."
- Changes in serving, how do you judge the efficiency of your serve right now?
"I would say it's improving. The serve on clay is not as crucial as on other surfaces, so I have to focus on what I need, whether percentages or more power. I'm analyzing what's best for me right now. It's hard to say if I'm improving on clay because almost all players get the return in and the point is played. You can hit a great serve, but they will return it. I can only say that I'm feeling better, very comfortable with the serve, and I hope it keeps getting better."
- Next stop, Arthur Fils
"It will be a new match for both of us. He's playing great, I think he is the only player who has reached the quarterfinals of all the Masters 1000 this year. His level is very high at the moment. I watched a bit of his match today and he played fantastic. I won't be afraid, that's for sure. I will play my tennis, pressuring him. I'm really looking forward to facing him for the first time. It will be a tough battle, but a beautiful match to play and watch."
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La impactante confesión de Alcaraz que ha provocado un cambio de actitud en tierra
-
02 Jul 2026 | 20:00Shintaro Mochizuki, the Japanese "blessed" by Federer who challenges Jódar -
02 Jul 2026 | 15:00Jódar finds the light to come back against Carreño at Wimbledon
