Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged after his defeat in the semifinals of the IEB Argentina Open against the Chilean Nicolás Jarry that there are “many things to improve” in view of the clay court season.
“It’s a difficult defeat. It hurt me a lot. There are many things to improve and the level has to go up,” said the number 2 in the ATP rankings in a press conference after the game that he lost 6-7 (2 ) and 3-6.
Winner of last year’s Argentine Open, the 20-year-old from Murcia said that he played “good tennis” today, but admitted that he is “very far” from his usual level.
“I have prepared well, I have felt physically good and I believe that with work we will get better and better,” said the tennis player, who ended 2023 away from the courts due to an injury to his left foot, and began 2024 with a discreet participation at the Australian Open, where he lost in the quarterfinals.
Asked if the expectations placed on him in each tournament he plays affect him, Alcaraz acknowledged that he needs to improve in certain moments of the matches, such as on break balls or in sections that require greater concentration.
“In these games there have been quite a few ups and downs that I can’t afford,” he said.
The Spaniard also praised his rival this Saturday, the Chilean Nicolás Jarry, number 21 in the world.
“Jarry has a level where he can beat anyone,” Alcaraz said.
The 28-year-old from Santiago will meet this Sunday with the Argentine Facundo Díaz Acosta at the Guillermo Vilas Stadium of the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
The champion of a US Open and the last edition of the Wimbledon tournament also praised the Italian Jannik Sinner, one of his current top contenders after his victory at the Australian Open.
“Jannik is going through a good time. His level of tennis reflects the confidence he has,” he said.
“To beat him you have to play at a stratospheric level,” he added.
Alcaraz will close his South American tour next week on the clay surface of the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro.
Subsequently, he will face two great challenges on clay: the Roland Garros in May and the Paris Olympic Games in July.
For this last event, Alcaraz once again acknowledged his desire to be able to compete in the men’s doubles category alongside Rafa Nadal, who has been retired from the courts for more than a year due to a serious injury.
“Hopefully I can play doubles with Rafa. There is still a lot left and we will see,” said the young tennis player.
The Chilean Nicolás Jarry surprised this Saturday at the IEB Argentina Open tennis tournament by eliminating last year’s tournament champion, the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, in the semifinals 6-7 (2) and 6-3.
Jarry will compete in the final with the Argentine Facundo Díaz and Alcaraz, the first favorite for the title in Buenos Aires, started his season on clay poorly.
The Murcian, number 2 in the ATP ranking, could not do anything against Jarry’s game. The Chilean undermined the Spaniard with his direct serve points.
Jarry, ranked 21st in the world rankings, will meet in the final with the Argentine Facundo Díaz Acosta, who beat his compatriot Federico Coria 6-2 and 6-3
