Alcaraz Cautious in ATP Finals Cites the Dangers of Overthinking
Carlos Alcaraz faced a tough challenge against Taylor Fritz during the second day of the ATP Finals, held in the Jimmy Connors Group. The match lasted nearly three hours, with Alcaraz overcoming Fritz with scores of 6-7(2), 7-5, and 6-3.
Physical and Mental Resilience
Alcaraz described the match as physically and mentally demanding. “It was a very intense match, requiring me to manage both physical fatigue and negative thoughts,” he explained. The high temperatures and humidity also made recovery difficult.
Preparing for the Next Match
Looking ahead, Alcaraz is set to compete against Italian player Lorenzo Musetti. He acknowledges the significance of this match as a potential opportunity to secure his position as the world number one. “It’s something beautiful and a clear goal for me, but I try not to focus too much on it,” he stated, indicating his desire to avoid added pressure.
- Date of Match: Recent, during the ATP Finals.
- Match Duration: Nearly three hours.
- Next Opponent: Lorenzo Musetti.
- Current Challenge: Balancing the pressure of potentially becoming world number one.
Overcoming Pressure
Alcaraz acknowledged that the thought of securing the top rank crept into his mind at the start of the match against Fritz. However, he quickly shifted his focus back to his gameplay strategies. “I realized that if I stayed determined, I could turn the match around,” he said.
His second coach, Samuel López, provided motivation throughout the match, even using Catalan phrases to encourage him. “This interaction makes me laugh, which helps me play better,” Alcaraz noted.
Looking Ahead
With the semifinals within reach, Alcaraz remains focused on performing well in his upcoming matches. Exhausted yet satisfied with his performance, he continues to aim for excellence in what he describes as a challenging tournament environment.
