Carlos Alcaraz admits he ‘couldn’t handle the pressure’ in Montreal, but eyes improvement in Cincy
Carlos Alcaraz says the weight of expectation took its toll at the Canadian Open, but he is determined to “use the pressure in my favour” at this week’s Western & Southern Open.
After rising to a career-high No 4 in the ATP Rankings, Alcaraz was seeded second for the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal and was one of the favourites to lift the title.
However, the start of his North American hard-court swing got off to a false start as the rising star fell at the first hurdle as he was beaten in three sets by unseeded American Tommy Paul. That early exit came on the back of two runners-up finishes at the German Open and Croatia Open.
The Spaniard conceded that being favourite in Canada was a big burden.
It was the first time that I couldn’t handle the pressure… I have to be ready to have this pressure, to have this kind of moments, and to learn how to handle it! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/dLypEV1Ihg
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) August 10, 2022
“I understood everything of what happened in Montreal. I couldn’t handle the pressure to be one of the favourites to win the tournament or be the ranking that I am right now,” he admitted. “I come here to train and now show where I am.
“The kind of player I am means that I am trying to use the pressure in my favour. I know I am playing against the best players in the world, so I am going to try my best.”
Alcaraz is seeded third behind Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal for the Cincinnati Masters and will face wildcard Mackenzie McDonald from the United States in the second round on Tuesday.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could share one of the sport’s great rivalries
The 19-year-old, who has won four titles this year – including Masters trophies in Miami and Madrid, believes he is ready to up his game mentally.
“Right now, I take each match as a challenge for me to stay the same as always. I am No 4 in the world, one of the favourites to win this tournament, so it is a bit tough to handle the pressure,” he said.
“But I am training at my best. I am training with the objective to improve and try to produce the game I produced during the clay season and in Miami. It is a challenge for me to be the same.”
If he comes through his second-round clash against McDonald then he will face 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic or Finnish youngster Emil Ruusuvuori in the third round.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?
-
ATP Tour
Expert reveals how long Andy Murray could be sidelined if he requires surgery after ‘devastating’ injury
“The decision will be made to potentially treat it with non-surgery but that’s unlikely I think.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz has bad news for his rivals with latest remarks as he also gives insight into aggressive tactics
Carlos Alcaraz is “feeling great on the court” again, which should be a concern for his rivals.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka reveals how Novak Djokovic is inspiring her to reach for more
How world No 1 Novak Djokovic is inspiring Victoria Azarenka to reach for more.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner can’t control his laughter as he hits his physio in a ‘really important’ spot
Physio Giacomo Naldi was in Jannik Sinner’s line of fire at the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray faces agonising waiting game after ankle injury nightmare
Andy Murray waiting to hear whether he still has a chance to end his career at Wimbledon this summer.