Carlos Alcaraz made a winning start at the 2024 Miami Open, but he admitted to struggling with the conditions after the match.
Alcaraz has experience playing in Miami, having taken part in the ATP Masters 1000 event in Florida a couple of times. He's been successful in the past, making a deep run last year and winning the year before.
However, the conditions are rather specific, and it can be tough to deal with them. He didn't seem too bothered in his first match this year, as he cruised past compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2 6-1, continuing his good form.
However, speaking to the media after the match, Alcaraz admitted that he did struggle with the conditions a little. The humidity in Miami is quite high, much more so than in other places, and he had some problems with it.
"Well, it was difficult with the humidity, the court, the balls, everything. It was difficult to adapt my game to these conditions. But I think I did pretty well. I'm really happy with my performance."
"Physically it was really tough for me. 6-2, 6-1. It seems like it was a third set, really long match. Really, really happy with the level that I hit the ball, that I solved everything. Hopefully keep going."
Incidents in Miami aren't uncommon, as players have fainted on the courts. Jack Draper fainted a few years ago, as did Arthur Cazaux, who fainted last week. Matteo Berrettini nearly fainted during his match against Andy Murray, so the conditions could be pretty tough to deal with.
Alcaraz's match was played late at night, which curbed the heat at least, but the humidity was constant. In the coming days, he will want to adapt, but he should be better the more matches he plays at the event. His next opponent will be Gael Monfils.