Carlos Alcaraz rates his 2024 season out of 10 as he makes ‘painful’ admission
Most tennis players would give themselves a 10 out of 10 rating if they win two Grand Slams in one season, but Carlos Alcaraz believes it is “impossible” as he feels he “can always be better”.
Following his incredible breakthrough season in 2022 during which he won the US Open and became the youngest world No 1 in ATP history, Alcaraz followed it up with the Wimbledon trophy and five other titles last year.
This year he took his Grand Slam tally to four as he successfully defended his Wimbledon crown while he also won the French Open for the first time. He also collected trophies at the Indian Wells Open and the China Open while he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite his four trophies, 21-year-old will likely finish the 2024 season third in the ATP Rankings behind Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.
Asked about his campaign, Alcaraz said: “It is impossible to rate it 10 out of 10 as you can always be better but it was a really amazing year for me.
“I would say eight and a half or nine. It could have been better with the gold medal or other tournaments but I would say 8.5.”
He has also had some disappointments, especially since the Olympics, as he lost early at the Cincinnati Open, US Open and Paris Masters.
The Spaniard added: “I learned a lot this year. I know myself more as a person and a player: what I need to do, what I need, on and off the court.
“Some of my losses this year were really painful for me: what I have to do, to train on days off. It is not only a goal on the court but also what you have to do on days off: how many days to take before going to the tournament, before it starts to prepare as best.”
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The ATP Finals will be Alcaraz’s final singles event of the season and he will face Zverev, Casper Ruud and Andrey Rublev during the group phase.
Last year he reached the semi-finals before losing in straight sets to eventual champion Djokovic.
“Last year was a difficult end of the year for me,” the third seed said. “I could not play at my best. The last two matches here were pretty good matches for me but the previous two, three tournaments I didn’t play at my best, so I realised I had to change a little bit at this time of the year, which I did this year.
“I come here a little bit different. I approach this tournament a little differently, knowing there are things I have to change if I am to have a good result here and go far.
“Last year I didn’t start well from the first matches. I will try to play the same level and will try to play good tennis. I am coming here with a lot of motivation.”
