Carlos Alcaraz has reflected on some of his ‘painful’ losses this season as he prepares to end his season in Turin.
The Spaniard has had an exceptional year this season having won two Grand Slam titles which have included a first Roland Garros title as well as defending his Wimbledon title.
However there have been some disappointing results which have included losing the Olympic final to Novak Djokovic as well as an early exit to Botic Van De Zandschulp at the US Open.
Reflecting on the year he has had Alcaraz has admitted it is impossible to rate his year a ten out of ten due to some poor losses, “It is impossible to rate it 10 out of 10 as you can always be better but it was a really amazing year for me,” Alcaraz was quoted by tennis365.com as saying to Tennis TV.
“I would say eight and a half or nine. It could have been better with the gold medal or other tournaments but I would say 8.5. I learned a lot this year. I know myself more as a person and a player: what I need to do, what I need, on and off the court.
“Some of my losses this year were really painful for me: what I have to do, to train on days off. It is not only a goal on the court but also what you have to do on days off: how many days to take before going to the tournament, before it starts to prepare as best.”
After a successful season Alcaraz will now hope to continue his great year into the Nitto ATP Finals, a tournament which hasn’t been kind to him in the past.
The Spaniard has yet to reach the final at the event in his career and will be hoping to change that in the future, “Last year was a difficult end of the year for me,” Alcaraz admitted.
“I could not play at my best. The last two matches here were pretty good matches for me but the previous two, three tournaments I didn’t play at my best, so I realised I had to change a little bit at this time of the year, which I did this year.
“I come here a little bit different. I approach this tournament a little differently, knowing there are things I have to change if I am to have a good result here and go far. Last year I didn’t start well from the first matches. I will try to play the same level and will try to play good tennis. I am coming here with a lot of motivation.”
Alcaraz will begin his campaign against Casper Ruud on Monday.
