"I Was Fighting Myself": Alcaraz Explains US Open Second Round Defeat

Spanish tennis player and world number three, Carlos Alcaraz, has commented on his loss to Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the US Open 2024.

"Right now, I think the main issue is that I am not changing. That’s the key problem. Have I ever felt like I didn't know what to do during a match? Yes, it has happened a couple of times. After each game where I encountered this problem, I always said the same thing: 'I need to reflect on this.' Now I think I am not changing. That's the problem. If I don't change, it will be very tough for me if I want to improve. I can’t say much about it right now. During the match, I was fighting myself. In tennis, you play against someone who wants the same thing you want. To win. You must stay as calm as possible to have the right thoughts in your head," Alcaraz stated at the post-match press conference.

The Spaniard was defeated by the Dutchman with a score of 1-6, 5-7, 4-6.

In the next round of the US Open, van de Zandschulp will face Britain's Jack Draper on August 31.