Alcaraz Reveals How US Open Failure Pushed Him To Succeed In China

Carlos Alcaraz recently reclaimed his spot among the tennis elite by winning the 2024 China Open. Reflecting on his recent journey, Alcaraz acknowledged that his earlier struggles, particularly his disappointing US Open performance, played a significant role in his resurgence.

After a tough stretch following the Paris Olympics, Alcaraz found himself in a slump. He failed to win any of the tournaments that followed, and his frustration was evident. In one match, he even smashed his racket in a rare display of anger, for which he later apologized. His performance at the US Open was particularly troubling, where he suffered a shocking defeat to Botic Van de Zandschulp in straight sets. It was clear that Alcaraz was not enjoying himself on the court, and he needed a mental and physical break.

Following the US Open, Alcaraz took some time off from tennis, returning to Europe to reset. The break seemed to work wonders for him. He returned to action at the Davis Cup, where he won two matches, followed by another strong showing at the Laver Cup, where he added two more wins to his tally. This positive momentum carried him into the China Open in Beijing, where Alcaraz produced some of his best tennis in recent memory. His efforts culminated in a stunning victory over Jannik Sinner in the final.

After his triumph in Beijing, Alcaraz traveled to Shanghai for the 2024 Shanghai Masters. Speaking about his recent turnaround, he explained how the string of matches he played in recent weeks helped him build momentum. “I’m trying to get the momentum. I think I’m feeling great on the court, physically I’m feeling good. For me, for my tennis, it’s really important to feel that way. I’m hitting the ball really, really well, so I’m trying to keep the same form in my matches. I’m a guy that tries to focus on the positives.”

Looking back at the US Open, Alcaraz admitted that his performance during the American swing was far from what he had hoped for. However, the early exit in New York gave him more time to rest and prepare for the latter part of the season. This extra preparation time, he believes, was crucial to his success in China.

“In the American swing, it didn’t go as I expected, so I had more time to prepare for this part of the season. I had a few weeks where I worked really hard, both physically and on the court, just to feel great coming into this tournament,” Alcaraz said. “That’s the difference. That’s why I’m showing really good tennis now, because physically, I’m feeling great, and I’m just trying to enjoy my time on the court, play good points, good rallies, and the way I’m hitting the ball has been really good lately.”

Alcaraz emphasized that while losing early in a tournament is never ideal, it can sometimes prove beneficial. In his case, the early exit at the US Open allowed him to recharge, and so far, he has made the most of that opportunity. His victory in Beijing and a strong start at the Shanghai Masters suggest that Alcaraz is once again a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court.