Carlos Alcaraz’s motivation to turn around his US Open defeat | ATP Tour

Davis Cup

Alcaraz’s motivation to turn around his US Open defeat

The Spaniard was key in Spain’s victory over the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup

September 12, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz took his second-round loss at the US Open as a disappointment. The Spaniard, No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, rested for a few days after bidding farewell to the final Grand Slam of the season and headed to Valencia to train with the Spanish team for the Group Stage of the Davis Cup Finals. And on Wednesday, Alcaraz found his way back to winning ways after taking two in the tie against the Czech Republic, beating Tomas Machac in their singles match and then teaming up with Marcel Granollers to beat Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek.

“I needed it after the last few matches, as the feeling hadn’t been very positive,” explained the Murcia native at the end of the day. “I felt the extra pressure of being number one in the first set, I wasn’t comfortable, but I had to stay positive,” added Alcaraz. “The Davis Cup is special and you always want to do well.”

Alcaraz had an intense day on Wednesday, appearing on the court twice, doubling the usual workload on any match day.

“It was a very busy day, but I’m happy to have had the opportunity to play both singles and doubles,” said Alcaraz. “I try to take the positive things from my time in the United States and use them to avoid making the same mistakes again, to try to evolve on the mental side and to become more mature,” he continued. “I was very motivated to be here, I’m looking forward to helping the team go as far as possible.”

With that mindset, Alcaraz faced his Davis Cup debut in 2024 and faced a difficult first match against Machac, in which he lost the first set and then came back in the second, before the Czech retired due to injury.

“Obviously, I didn’t have a great feeling during the matches on the American tour and that’s why I started a bit nervous,” admitted the Spaniard. “I had opportunities, but I didn’t take them. I knew I would have more if I kept my head strong. After a very tough first set, I managed not to give up and put him in trouble so he felt the pressure. Despite everything, this is not the way I would like to win matches, but it happened this way.”

Alcaraz will be back on court this Friday when Spain takes on France in the second round of the Davis Cup Finals Group Stage.