Carlos Alcaraz, the 19-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, is determined to bounce back from a disappointing end to his summer season as he sets his sights on the upcoming US Open. After a remarkable run that saw him triumph at the French Open and Wimbledon, Alcaraz suffered a surprising defeat to Gael Monfils in the second round of the Cincinnati Open.
The loss, which Alcaraz described as the worst of his career, was a stark reminder of the challenges he faces in transitioning from the clay and grass courts to the hard courts. Despite practicing well before the match, Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm and control his emotions, smashing his racket multiple times in frustration.
“I couldn’t play. Honestly, I’d been practicing really well,” Alcaraz said. “The previous days, I was feeling great, hitting the ball clear, moving well. I don’t know what happened. I don’t know how I felt like this. I couldn’t control myself.”
Alcaraz’s defeat in Cincinnati highlighted the need for him to adapt quickly to the hard courts if he wants to maintain his status as one of the top players in the world. The US Open, which begins on August 29, will be a crucial test for Alcaraz, as it was the site of his breakthrough grand slam victory in 2022.
Despite his recent setback, Alcaraz remains a strong contender for the US Open title. He has already won four grand slam titles this year, and he is determined to finish the season strong and reclaim the world number one ranking.
“I’m focused on going to every tournament, thinking about playing great tennis, doing a good result to get better in the race,” Alcaraz said. “Ending the year as number one is one of my main goals.”
Alcaraz will face stiff competition from several top players at the US Open, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev. However, Alcaraz is confident in his abilities and is eager to prove that he is still the player to beat.
