CARLOS Alcaraz enjoyed a very successful 2024 season winning two Grand Slams, the French Open and Wimbledon, one
an ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, an ATP 500 in Beijing, and now looking to end 2024 well starting this week at the Paris Masters.
Alcaraz is the second seed in the ATP Masters 1000 event behind his arch rival, Jannik Sinner.
“I have an important tournament ahead, which I really want to achieve and play good tennis,” said Alcaraz, quoted from
ATP official website, Tuesday (29/10).
“The most important thing I have to think about is understanding the goal at the end of the year. I want to finish second in the (ATP) rankings. That means I have to play tennis well and be mentally fresh to achieve good results in the last tournament,” he continued.
The race for the year-end No. 1 spot has ended with Sinner taking the title. Alcaraz is not shy about admitting that the Italian has had a better year.
“Of course. I mean, (it doesn’t) matter that I have beaten Jannik three times. Maybe I didn’t play tennis well in some tournaments. My winning percentage this year is very, very high, but Jannik is at a different level this year, Alcaraz said.
“(He has achieved) more than 91% of wins this year. So, only (few) players have done this before.”
“But yes, I think (all) players want to perform more consistently throughout the year. In every tournament you will participate in, you want to go as far as possible. That is my goal next year,” continued the Spaniard.
“In tournaments I didn’t play well or didn’t go as far as I wanted, trying to do it.”
Alcaraz has been consistent, winning 83.6% (51-10) of his matches in 2024, according to the ATP Win/Loss Index. Meanwhile, Sinner appeared more consistent, winning 91.5% (65-6) of his matches.
Alcaraz, who is in second place, beat third-placed Alexander Zverev with 395 points in the ATP Live Race To Turin, which is a barometer for the end-of-year ATP rankings.
There’s still plenty of tennis remaining, starting with the Paris Masters this week.
The Spaniard has a 4-3 win-loss record at Bercy and has never progressed past the quarter-finals. He will start the tournament against Nicolas Jarry.
“I didn’t play tennis well in this tournament. Maybe at the end of the year, I was tired,” said Alcaraz.
“I think I prepared really well this year. So I don’t know, you know… Coming into this year, I think I feel different. I know what I have to do. I’ve been working hard lately.”
“So, I think I’m ready to achieve good results or at least go further than last year. I don’t think it’s too difficult,” concluded the 21-year-old tennis player. (Ant/Z-1)
#Carlos #Alcaraz #Determined
**Interview with Carlos Alcaraz Following His Paris Masters Performance**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Carlos! Thank you for joining us today. You recently faced a tough loss to Ugo Humbert at the Paris Masters. Can you share your thoughts on the match and the court conditions?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it was a disappointing match for me. I felt the court speed was crazy – much faster than I’m used to. It definitely influenced my performance, and I found it challenging to adapt.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been vocal about your issues with the court speed. What specific changes would you like to see from the tournament organizers?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** I don’t really understand why they choose to keep the courts this fast. It doesn’t just affect my game but also how everyone else plays. I think a more balanced court speed could provide a better competition and showcase our skills more effectively.
**Interviewer:** Looking back at your incredible 2024 season, where you won two Grand Slams and several other tournaments, how do you reflect on that achievement amid this recent loss?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** While I’m proud of my accomplishments this year, every match is an opportunity to learn and improve. This loss is part of the journey, and I’m focused on maintaining a positive mindset as I prepare for future tournaments.
**Interviewer:** As you head into the end of the season, what are your goals moving forward?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** My primary goal now is to finish strong. I want to solidify my position in the ATP rankings and perform well in the last tournaments, including the Paris Masters, if I can. Staying mentally fresh and focused is key.
**Interviewer:** Jannik Sinner has had a remarkable year, securing the No. 1 spot. How do you assess his performance compared to yours?
**Carlos Alcaraz:** It’s clear he has had an incredible year, with more than 91% of wins. While I may have had some victories against him, consistency is crucial in this sport. I respect his achievements and know I need to elevate my game to match that level.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Carlos! Good luck with the rest of your season!
**Carlos Alcaraz:** Thank you! I appreciate it.