Alcaraz: 'I don't feel defeated after Wimbledon'

World number two Carlos Alcaraz denies worrying about nearly a year without a title, saying he is improving.

"I'm not disappointed, nor do I feel defeated after Wimbledon," Alcaraz said in an interview ahead of his BNP Paribas Open debut on March 6. "I'm learning from those experiences and moments. Losses are always a big lesson."

Alcaraz at a press conference before the BNP Paribas Open on March 6 in Indian Wells, California, USA. Photo: ATP — Alcaraz at a press conference before the BNP Paribas Open on March 6 in Indian Wells, California, USA. Photo: *ATP*

Alcaraz has only reached one final since winning Wimbledon in 2023, losing to Novak Djokovic at the Cincinnati Masters. He then lost to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open semi-finals, then Djokovic in the ATP Finals semi-finals. The Spaniard extended his title drought to earlier this year, losing in the Australian Open quarter-finals, Argentina Open semi-finals and retiring from his opening match at the Rio Open due to injury.

Having only reached one final in his last 10 tournaments, Alcaraz is increasingly doubtful about his ability to reach the next level, after playing explosively in his first two years on the ATP Tour.

"I have spoken to the coach about this and we will resolve it internally," Alcaraz added. "I always look at my own performance and focus on improving. Actually, I have reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals of some big tournaments and I cannot consider that a failure at this age."

Alcaraz has won two Grand Slams, out of a total of 12 ATP titles. He became the youngest world number one in history after winning the 2022 US Open at the age of 19. Competition with the Spanish talent is getting fiercer as Djokovic remains steady and Jannik Sinner is rising rapidly.

During Alcaraz's slump, Sinner has emerged victorious, including this year's Australian Open, to equal his tally of 12 ATP titles. Sinner is also likely to take Alcaraz's world number two ranking next week.

Alcaraz needs to defend 1,000 points at Indian Wells this year. He enters the tournament as the defending champion and second seed, facing Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the second round. According to the draw, Alcaraz could face Sinner in the semi-finals.

Vy Anh

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