Alcaraz, about the level of his rivals: "It's a bit annoying, but it has to be accepted"

Pedro de Pablos | 23 Mar 2026 | 00.01

Alcaraz, regarding the level of his rivals: "It's a bit annoying, but it must be accepted."

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Carlos Alcaraz has suffered a tough blow with his defeat in the third round of the 2026 Miami Open against Sebastian Korda. The world number one has been self-critical, but he has also taken advantage of his press conference to once again emphasize that his opponents always play with extra motivation against him, and that he needs some rest time to come back strong in a few weeks.

Today, Alcaraz seemed more mentally fatigued than on other occasions, perhaps due to the accumulated fatigue from playing in Australia, Doha, Indian Wells, and Miami almost consecutively. Therefore, this defeat will allow him to have more vacation days to spend more time with his loved ones and recharge his batteries for the upcoming clay court season, his specialty and where he defends the most points ATP this season.

Alcaraz's Press Conference after his defeat against Sebastian Korda in the 2026 Miami Open

Match against Korda

I think it was a tough match, for sure. I think Sebi was incredible today. He played wonderfully. There were many very disputed moments where I just couldn't capitalize. I think he was better in those points, in those moments. I would say that was the key to the match. So, congratulations to him. I think he deserves it.

Positive aspects of the match

Well, I think I simply played a good match, so to speak. There were just some moments where I think he played wonderfully and I didn't execute well. There were many 30-30, 40-40, and break points that I just couldn't seize. But, obviously, one must consider the other side of the net. I think at that point Sebi played magnificently, at an incredible level. With my team, we talked a bit. We saw in all the parts, throughout the match, what I did very well and what I did right.

I would say that what I was practicing, you know, I think I did really well; some things in previous tournaments with which I just didn't feel comfortable. I think in this tournament, I started to feel better and better. I think the process has gone well. Despite today's defeat, I think I'm still on the right track.

Less pressure from his opponents when playing against him

Well, I think that's evident when you find yourself in that situation. It's obvious that when you're winning tournaments and have a great win-loss record, everything becomes easier in terms of the pressure felt by opponents, the players who face me or the best in the world. Yes, that's what I feel. I feel they have more to gain than to lose in those matches.

That's why, at times or almost throughout the match, they play without pressure. That's the feeling I have after each match. I don't think about my own pressure. I don't feel it at all. I'm trying to play my best. Obviously, the players I play against, I think don't have the pressure they usually have when playing against another player.

Frustration with the level of his opponents

Well, truth be told, it's not very nice (smiling). It's a bit annoying, but you have to accept it. You have to move on and give your all. Fortunately, I feel I have many weapons, many things I can do on the court to try to make him uncomfortable. Although today, truthfully, I couldn't figure it out. But I know from now on they're going to play like that.
I just have to be prepared, as I said. Even if he played, I would say, above his usual level, I was there.

Many 30-30, many 40-40, break points in my favor. I didn't capitalize on them, but I have to see it from that perspective. For the upcoming matches, you know, to think that they will play like that, although I will also have my chances. I'll try to play better in those moments, in those points. I'll try not to let them stay in the match. I'll try to push them even further.

Attempted comeback

Well, we could see the level he was playing at until 5-4 in the second set. We could see from 5-4 until the end of that set the level he showed. Yes, I would say you could see the difference. There was a significant difference in the level he was playing at that moment. I always say that closing a match is very difficult. You think about many things. You're probably not as relaxed as you feel when you're playing the whole match. It's like everything is coming at you. It's very difficult to deal with that.

I noticed the difference; he made three consecutive errors that he hadn't made throughout the match. I just seized the opportunity. I stayed there. I knew it. I hit every ball I could. Truth is, it works. But at 5-4 in the third set, I think he just knew what he had to do. He simply played with a lot of first serves, which is tough when he serves with such power. It's as if he had been in that situation before. He just managed it much, much better.

Plans for the next few days

I don't know. I'll probably go home, something that I'm very excited about, to spend a few days relaxing with my family and friends. I don't know how much rest and days off my team will allow me. Suddenly, I'll get back to the routine, back on the court. The clay court season is just around the corner. I have some very good tournaments there, and I'm looking forward to playing. Yes, right now what I have in mind is taking a few days off, disconnecting, recharging my batteries, being ready and in good shape for the clay court season.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz, sobre el nivel de sus rivales: "Es un poco molesto, pero hay que aceptarlo"

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