Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s third-ranked tennis player, has shown signs of regaining his form after a disappointing US swing. Playing in front of a home crowd in Valencia, Alcaraz helped Spain secure a spot in the Final 8 of the Davis Cup Finals with a convincing 6-3, 6-3 victory over France’s Ugo Humbert.
Alcaraz’s performance was a welcome sight for Spanish fans, who have witnessed a dip in his form since winning the US Open in September. The 21-year-old struggled in Cincinnati and the US Open, losing to Gael Monfils and Botic van de Zandschulp, respectively.
However, Alcaraz looked sharp against Humbert, saving all six break points he faced and hitting 12 forehand winners. He credited the team atmosphere for his improved play, saying, “I need being with the team, all the players, all the staff from the federation. Seeing them cheering me always in every point, every match… I need this atmosphere, these kind of matches that I feel like I’m not playing alone.”
Alcaraz’s victory was preceded by a hard-fought win by Roberto Bautista Agut over Arthur Fils. Bautista Agut rallied from a set down to win 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, securing Spain’s place in the knockout stage alongside Australia.
Alcaraz will now turn his attention to the Laver Cup in Berlin, where he will make his debut for Team Europe. He will then embark on an Asian swing, hoping to regain his top form and challenge for more Grand Slam titles.
