Carlos Alcaraz lost early at the 2024 Cinch Championships and he dismissed the narrative that the loss doesn't matter because every loss counts.
Some might say that some losses 'count less' than others, as losing in a smaller event may not matter as much as losing at a Grand Slam. However, much like every win, even at an ATP 250 tournament, every loss counts as well, which is why Alcaraz dismissed suggestions that his recent Cinch Championships loss doesn't bother him.
He played at the event to win it because he was the defending champion. Not being able to do so is already a disappointment for Alcaraz. He was quite clear about that, saying that whatever contributed to the loss doesn't make it any 'better.'
"No, every loss is difficult to me. It doesn't matter if I not too well prepared. Doesn't matter if it's my first, second match on grass this year. For me, every match let's say is difficult today because I don't want to lose any time. Yeah, you have to accept it, you have to be better, see the things that I did wrong and try to be better in the next match."
Losses are difficult to digest for tennis players, but as Alcaraz pointed out, every loss teaches him a new lesson. There is something to be learned from every loss, and the young Spaniard is one of those players who certainly backed that up.
One of the most painful losses of his career happened at last year's Roland Garros, which was followed up by his win at Wimbledon. This loss to Draper at the Queen's Club is very painful, but expect him to bounce back strongly at Wimbledon. He already shared his plans for preparing for the third Grand Slam of the year.