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
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’
“Points like this one give me extra motivation to put a smile on my face.”
-
WTA Tour
‘Pretty proud’ Iga Swiatek opens up about ‘being the target of many players’
“It was pretty crazy. I’m pretty proud of the way I adapted to all these challenges that I had to face.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz makes brutally honest injury confession after sparkling Indian Wells win
Carlos Alcaraz opened up on the problem after he got his hands on the Indian Wells title once again.