There is no doubt that Carlos Alcaraz has not shone as expected in this start of the season. It is true that the young Spanish ace won the title in Rotterdam in February, but he has also suffered several unexpected defeats against second-rate players and highlighted the usual ups and downs that have characterized his career so far.
Despite Alexander Zverev’s disastrous results in the last two months, the 21-year-old from Murcia has not been able to overtake the German in second place in the ATP ranking and the goal of dethroning Jannik Sinner has become a real mirage.
The 4-time Grand Slam champion was the top favorite in both Indian Wells and Miami, but he did not meet expectations and sent worrying signals from several points of view. His run in California – where he had triumphed in 2023 and 2024 – ended against Jack Draper in the semifinals, at the end of a match in which he was really discontinuous.
The former world No.1 had hoped for a more prestigious result in Miami – where he had clinched his first Masters 1000 in 2022 – but suffered a shocking elimination against David Goffin in the second round.
Lorenzi warns Alcaraz
After his untimely elimination in Florida, Carlitos took a few days to relax with his family in Mexico before returning to practice for the Monte Carlo Masters 1000.
The start of the season on the red clay will be crucial for Alcaraz, who will soon have to find his certainties in view of Roland Garros.
In a recent interview with ‘SuperTennis’, former Italian ace Paolo Lorenzi admitted that he was surprised by the Spanish star’s recent results: “He definitely needs to improve from many points of view. He’s a really spectacular player who people like, but he needs to find some consistency during the season.
Too many times he makes bad choices while playing and it seems to me that his confusion has increased in recent times.”
Lorenzi also reflected on the role of Juan Carlos Ferrero: “If he can no longer have an impact on Carlos, then it might be time to make a change.”
Tennis World USA