Alcaraz Reflects on Semi-Final Loss to Draper at Indian Wells
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Synopsis
Carlos Alcaraz attributed his defeat in the semi-final of the Indian Wells Open to nerves and an overemphasis on Jack Draper's game. He aims to learn from the experience and bounce back at the Miami Open.
Key Takeaways
- Carlos Alcaraz lost to Jack Draper in the semi-finals.
- Alcaraz's focus on Draper's game affected his performance.
- He expressed disappointment but aims to learn from the loss.
- Alcaraz plans to recover at the Miami Open.
- His winning streak of 16 matches in Indian Wells ended.
Indian Wells, March 16 (NationPress) Carlos Alcaraz stated that his anxiety and excessive focus on Jack Draper's formidable game contributed to his loss in the three-set semi-final against the British left-hander at the Indian Wells Open.
Attempting to secure a third straight title at this year’s inaugural ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, the second-seeded Spaniard witnessed his impressive 16-match winning streak in the desert come to an abrupt halt after falling to Draper 6-1, 0-6, 6-4 in the semi-finals.
“I consistently say that I need to concentrate on myself, on my own game. I believe today I was more preoccupied with his level and his game than my own… So when you find yourself focusing more on your opponent than on your performance, it becomes a significant issue,” the former World No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion remarked, as reported by ATP Tour.
“That’s exactly what transpired today. From the very start of the day, even in the morning, I was fixated on his game, as he's incredibly tough and solid, making it a very physical match,” he continued.
Alcaraz was observed engaging in a lengthy dialogue with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero prior to the match. When questioned about their discussion, Alcaraz stated, “It has been a challenging day for me. I didn’t practice well and didn’t feel like myself on the court.
“Even during the warm-up, I was making numerous mistakes. I didn’t feel my shots, which is why I was conversing with Juan Carlos on the bike, as I was a bit frustrated with myself regarding my warm-up session.
“I didn’t approach the match in the most effective way possible. Consequently, I was nervous throughout the day, even during practice before the match.”
Disheartened to see his attempt to join only Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as three-time champions in Indian Wells come to an end, the Spaniard expressed his intention to utilize this defeat as a learning opportunity and motivation to recover at the upcoming Miami Open, which starts next Wednesday.
“How long will the disappointment linger? Not long. Not long at all. I view myself as someone who learns from failures and losses. The last time I lost here was in the semi-finals; I went on to win Miami, so I’m determined to do the same. I will take lessons from that match and maximize my performance in Miami,” Alcaraz concluded.
