Lack Of Matches Not To Blame For ATP Finals Loss According To Alcaraz

Monday, 13 November 2023 at 23:47

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bySebastian Dahlman

Carlos Alcaraz didn't have a great start at the 2023 ATP Finals, but a lack of matches in recent weeks is not to blame for the loss, according to the Spaniard.

Tennis is a very streaky sport and even the greatest players struggle when they lack matches. When Novak Djokovic returned last year from a hiatus, he struggled in his first matches, losing them.

Alcaraz hasn't missed as much time, but he only played one indoor match all year, and it was a losing effort. That's why, coming to the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin, the Spaniard wasn't really favoured, especially in the group with players that profit from the indoor conditions.

Expecting him to do well in Turin was a bit unrealistic, no matter what he said. He played pretty well but clearly struggled to find a solution to Alexander Zverev's serve, which was doing a lot of damage.

That problem is typical for indoor matches because the serve is so valuable, and a few more matches might have helped the 20-year-old to prepare for what he was about to face.

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Alcaraz was asked about the glaring lack of matches, but he dismissed suggestions that he struggled on Monday because of that.

I don't think so. I don't think so because I am one of the players that has played the most matches on the year. I don't think that. I mean, I feel good physically. I've been playing probably not a lot of matches at the end of the season, but a few matches was good for me, even if I lost or not. I don't think I need more matches at the end of the year

Alcaraz did play a lot of matches this year, but he didn't play many indoor matches. It's probably the conditions he has the least experience with.