Carlos Alcaraz does not think he will be more nervous before his matches at the 2024 ATP Finals, despite the prestigious tournament's reputation.
The ATP Finals is a tournament Alcaraz has yet to win. He was comprehensively defeated by Novak Djokovic, who withdrew from this year's event in Turin, in the semifinal in 2023.
Alcaraz has not shown his blistering best in indoor conditions throughout his career. None of the Spaniard's 21 ATP Finals to date have been at indoor tournaments.
The four-time Grand Slam champion's latest setback in those conditions was at last week's Paris Masters. Alcaraz lost in the round of 16 to Ugo Humbert and complained about how fast the court was afterward.
He cannot claim to not be used to the court at the ATP Finals. Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz's coach, installed a court at his academy made by the same brand that created the court that will be used in Turin.
That move might give Alcaraz some reassurance. Although he has not been as comfortable playing indoors, practicing on a very identical court before traveling to Italy for the event might give him an added advantage.
However, Alcaraz tries not to get more nervous about any tournament. Speaking at a press conference before the ATP Finals begins, the 21-year-old is convinced that he would not feel more nervous before his matches.
"I'm not gonna say my secrets on the court. But I'm not going to approach the match in way that I'm used to doing it. I'm going to feel more nerves about playing this tournament than others. I will just stay focused and believe in what I have worked in the last two weeks."
"I will try to put in the game, and hopefully it works. But the nights and days before the tournament begins I'm not feeling the nerves at all. I'm feeling them on the same day."
Alcaraz was drawn in the same group as Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, and Casper Ruud. Zverev is a two-time champion at the ATP Finals, and Ruud was the 2022 runner-up, showing how tough it could be for the Spaniard.
Despite his previous indoor results, it would not be very smart to write off someone of Alcaraz's considerable ability. There was a time when some thought Wimbledon would be his weakest Grand Slam.
Alcaraz shattered those illusions by winning Wimbledon twice and becoming the best grass-court player in the world right now. He could easily turn the tables and do so again on indoor hardcourts.
Although the courts at the ATP Finals are moderately fast, they will not be at the same level as the very speedy Paris Masters. That will likely boost Alcaraz's chances of succeeding in Turin even more.
Some fans might miss Djokovic's presence, but the 2024 ATP Finals still promises to be a great event. Hopefully, much exciting tennis will be played to mark the end of a thrilling ATP season.
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