Alcaraz and the big challenge for the end of 2026: "It has always been difficult for me"

Andrés Tomás Rico - 6 Oct 2026 | 22:10
ATP Carlos Alcaraz

The Spaniard, who repeats the title at the ATP 500 in Tokyo, is already thinking about the four tournaments he has left this year (Shanghai, Paris, ATP Finals, and Davis Cup) that he has not yet won.
 

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Alcaraz and the great challenge for the end of 2026: “It has always been difficult for me.” Photo: Getty Images

If anyone doubted that Carlos Alcaraz would return as if he had never left, the Spaniard dispels any hint of worry with the title of the ATP 500 in Tokyo. The Murcian, who already displayed a great version of himself by reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open four and a half months after his injury, and at Roger Federer's Laver Cup, manages to defend his crown in Japan during a week filled with ups and downs, but one he always knew how to resolve.

In his five matches, he faced problems of one kind or another. In his debut against Alex Michelsen (7-6(1), 4-6, 6-1), in his second match against Matteo Arnaldi (7-6(8), 6-2), in the quarterfinals until Denis Shapovalov retired (7-6(3), 2-1 RET), in the semifinals against Jaume Munar (5-7, 6-3, 6-1), and even in the final against Jiri Lehecka (7-6(4), 6-4).

But the tour doesn't stop, and Alcaraz is already thinking about his upcoming goals for the end of the season. While there are no more Grand Slams left and the fight for the number one spot in the ATP ranking is over, following Sinner's absence until 2027 and Alexander Zverev's rise to the top throne, the player from El Palmar has the challenge of competing for four titles, the four remaining in 2026, which he has yet to win.

Alcaraz aims to make his mark in the Shanghai, Paris, ATP Finals, and Davis Cup tournaments

These are the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, the Masters 1000 in Paris, the ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup finals. Four tournaments in less than two months that he seeks to win for the first time. He confirmed this in the press conference following his victory, in statements reported by Eurosport.

“There are very important tournaments. I believe that this part of the season has always been challenging for me in terms of level, physicality, and mental aspects. I have arrived a bit tired and have never been able to play good tennis, especially in this part of the season,” the Murcian stated.

In the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, his best result was reaching the quarterfinals in 2024, where he lost to Tomas Machac, while last year he did not compete due to injury. On the hard court in Paris, the quarterfinals in 2022 against Holger Rune were also his best performance. Meanwhile, in the ATP Finals he lost in last year's final to Jannik Sinner and in the Davis Cup finals, he was eliminated with Spain in the first round in 2024 against the Netherlands, during Rafa Nadal's farewell.

Normally, as was the case for his compatriot, Alcaraz arrived at this stage of the season with the gas tank on empty after nine very intense months of competition. But this year, with his four and a half month injury that kept him from playing from mid-April to the end of August, his legs and mind, for the first time, arrive fresh at this final moment of the year.

“Now that everything has happened in a somewhat strange way for me, a bit different, I am very eager and motivated for what’s to come. Shanghai, Paris, the Finals, the Davis Cup are tournaments I would like to win someday. This year is one I come into with desire; I come prepared, I think, and we will see because these are very important tournaments,” concluded Carlos Alcaraz, who has a golden opportunity to make his name known in these tournaments for the first time.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz y el gran reto para el final de 2026: "Siempre me ha costado"