- Carlos Alcaraz Australian Open 2024 loss to Alexander Zverev is the saddest thing he has experienced
- The Spaniard was hopeful of progressing to the semi-finals
- Alexander Zverev proved to be a strong competitor for him
Carlos Alcaraz Australian Open 2024 loss to Alexander Zverev is the saddest thing he has experienced this year.
The Spaniard was hopeful of progressing to the semi-finals and eventually the finals after making changes to his playing style ahead of the ATP Tour 2024 season.
However, the world No. 2 tennis star proved to be a strong opponent for Alcaraz and thwarted his bid for a third Grand Slam.
What Led to Carlos Alcaraz Australian Open 2024 Loss?
Alcaraz said that he lost to Zverev because he did not play as well as he should have. Although the Spaniard was heavily favoured to win, he handed himself a tough experience after dropping the opening two sets in less than an hour.
He was on the verge of losing the third set, but he came back to win it in a tie-break and prolong the match before losing 6-1 6-3 6-7(2) 6-4.
Reflecting on his performance he admitted that he had multiple opportunities to turn things around in the fourth set but he still didn’t go for it.
Carlos Alcaraz vs Alexander Zverev. Photo/beINSports
“I think I had chances at 4-3 in the fourth set and I didn’t take them. I think I played good tennis in the fourth set, obviously not my best level but good. I didn’t take my chances, a lot of ups and downs with my level, I didn’t find a good serve and he was returning very well,” he confessed.
Besides, Zverev pressured him with his serves and this took away his confidence and he slumped. This is the gap he feels sold him out because he failed to give it his all.
“It was tough to deal with that pressure he put on me with every point on my serve. I have to improve, to work on it and let’s see in the future. It’s a shame my level today.
How Does Carlos Alcaraz Feel After Losing at the Australian Open?
The world No. 2 says he feels sad that he lost because he failed to give more of his best performance. But, he enjoyed every moment he spent in Melbourne.
His takeaway is that he played well in his previous matches which is why he made it to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
“In general I leave the tournament happy, forgetting about today’s level, I did a pretty good tournament in general. I played great matches and a quarter-final of a Grand Slam is good. It is not what I am looking for but it’s not bad.
“With the level I was playing before coming into this match with a lot of confidence, knowing I am playing good tennis, it’s a shame that I started the match the way I did and ended it the way I did. But that’s tennis.”
Carlos Alcaraz. Photo/The Independent
Did Tennis Fans Support Carlos Alcaraz?
There was a lot of crowd support in the fourth set when he showed signs of resilience against Zverev. The crowd felt that he could redeem himself and increase his chances to win a fourth slam.
Zverev was serving at 5-3 for a straight-sets win when Alcaraz made the breakthrough he needed. After dropping the first two points, he bounced back to win an exciting tie-break, much to the delight of the Rod Laver Arena spectators.
He felt energized by the ululations from the crowd and all he feels now is appreciation for trusting him and standing by him.
“I wanted to thank them, to stay there, believing in me, supporting me in every ball. The comeback in the third set was thanks to them. Without them I would probably have lost in three sets.”
Alcaraz did not participate in any tournament towards the end of 2023 to allow his body rejuvenate as he worked on his physical form.
He also altered his playing style with guidance from his two coaches.
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