WATCH: Alcaraz Calling 2024 Season 'Challenging' Stuns Former US Open Champion
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Carlos Alcaraz called his 2024 ATP season challenging at a recent press conference, drawing a hilarious reaction from two of his fellow players.
On paper, Alcaraz's 2024 season was the best of his career, but a thorough analysis shows that the Spaniard overcame some difficult moments and ended the year with a significant disappointment.
After starting 2024 by losing in the Australian Open quarterfinals, Alcaraz secured only a single title before the French Open, but that was the prestigious Indian Wells Open, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final.
The 21-year-old also beat Jannik Sinner in the semifinal in Indian Wells, which is particularly notable since it was later found that the Italian tested positive for the banned substance clostebol at the tournament, although it did not impact his performance.
Alcaraz had a glorious couple of months in June and July. He won a maiden French Open title, overcoming Alexander Zverev in a five-set battle after trailing by two sets to one before fighting back to triumph.
A few weeks later, Alcaraz claimed a second Wimbledon crown. The Spaniard defeated Novak Djokovic in the final for the second consecutive year, but his triumph this year was much more comfortable than in 2023.
However, Alcaraz's joy turned to devastation at the Olympics. The four-time Grand Slam champion lost the Olympic Gold medal match to Djokovic at Roland Garros, having started as a significant favorite against the Serbian.
Alcaraz's form dropped during the North American hardcourt season, including a shock defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open. It seemed like Alcaraz might be running out of steam.
The young star responded by outlasting Sinner in a sensational China Open final, but his season ended disappointingly after failing to get to the semifinal of the ATP Finals and losing a doubles match at the Davis Cup Finals, leading to the end of Rafael Nadal's career.
Alcaraz has played two exhibitions this month. The first was against Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden, which he won before losing to Frances Tiafoe in Charlotte. Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys played before Tiafoe and Alcaraz.
In a press conference before the exhibition, Alcaraz reflected on his 2024 season, calling it challenging and complicated. He mentioned some injuries he had, including during the clay court swing.
“I’m not used to dealing with so many injuries, and this year was a complicated time for me when I faced the clay season, but I ended it up good. In general, I’m just happy with everything that I’ve learned this season and hopefully in 2025 I can try to copy or do even better."
The video below shows Stephens and Tiafoe's humorous reaction. Stephens looks stunned before laughing and saying, "Really? Tell us about it."
Tiafoe remarks in disbelief that a challenging season for Alcaraz involves winning two Grand Slams. That shows the Spaniard's mindset despite still being just 21 years old. He wants to overcome tough moments and win even more of the most significant events.
