Carlos Alcaraz's struggles on indoor courts have not stopped him from believing he will be one of the best in those conditions.
Alcaraz's level at the age of just 21 is incredible. He is already a four-time Grand Slam champion, and some consider him to be the most complete player at that age in tennis history.
The world No. 3 has won major titles on outdoor hard courts, clay courts, and grass courts. Alcaraz's swift adaptation to grass shocked some since the Spaniard never played on the surface growing up, but his two Wimbledon titles show how much he loves playing on it now.
However, the one set of conditions Alcaraz has not cracked yet is indoor hard courts. None of the former world No. 1's 21 ATP finals have been indoors, and he rarely looks entirely comfortable when competing on a court that is not outdoors.
At last week's Paris Masters, Alcaraz criticized the organizers for the speed of the court after losing to Ugo Humbert in the round of 16 since it was much quicker than in previous years. But he did not get past the quarterfinals in his earlier appearances in the French capital.
Alcaraz's chances of improving his fortunes on indoor courts were damaged when he sustained an illness before the ATP Finals began. The 2022 US Open champion looked visibly unwell throughout a straight-sets loss to Casper Ruud on Monday.
Despite concerns that he would withdraw from his next match after cutting a practice session short on Tuesday, Alcaraz responded by beating Andrey Rublev 6-3, 7-6 despite still not feeling fully healthy.
Still, triumphing in his least favorite conditions while not feeling great could give Alcaraz some confidence and belief. His last round-robin match is on Friday against Alexander Zverev.
In an interview with Tennis Channel after overcoming Rublev, Alcaraz answered what he could improve to be more successful on indoor courts. The Spaniard is also confident he will eventually be one of the best indoor players in the world.
"I think I need consistency in the serve. Y'know, against Casper(Ruud) I didn't serve well. Today, it was probably the best shot from my game today. Being a little more consistent on the serve, trying to raise the level with the other players."
"Because I consider myself that I play well, but I could be better. I'm an ambitious guy, I'm sure I'm going to get to that level, I'm going to be one of the best players in the world on indoor courts, I'm gonna win important tournaments on indoor."
"So, it's about time. Getting experience, playing matches, playing tournaments, and I'll get there for sure."
Alcaraz is a likable and humble guy on and off the court, but he has never hidden his ambition and confidence. It would be foolish for anyone to write him off as an indoor player at such a young age.
The next match against two-time ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev will be tough. Zverev defeated Alcaraz in three entertaining sets last year. Hopefully, their 2024 ATP Finals clash also lives up to expectations.
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