In the world of professional tennis, winning two Grand Slam titles in a single season would be a remarkable achievement that most players would rate as a perfect 10 out of 10. However, **Carlos Alcaraz**, the 21-year-old tennis prodigy, holds himself to a higher standard. Despite a season that included defending his **Wimbledon** title, claiming his first **French Open** championship, and winning multiple other prestigious titles, Alcaraz believes there is always room for improvement and feels that it is “impossible” to give himself a perfect rating.
After a breakthrough year in 2022, where Alcaraz won the **US Open** and became the youngest world No. 1 in ATP history, the Spaniard showed that his victory was no fluke. He followed up his incredible performance with a **Wimbledon** title in 2023, alongside five other tournament wins. This year, Alcaraz continued his ascent in the tennis world, achieving remarkable success. He defended his Wimbledon title, claimed his maiden **French Open** crown, and added trophies from the **Indian Wells Open** and the **China Open** to his collection. While he didn’t achieve the elusive **Olympic gold medal**, his impressive run saw him finish runner-up to **Novak Djokovic** at the **2024 Paris Olympics**, showcasing his consistency and growth.
Despite his many accomplishments, Alcaraz finds it difficult to rate his season a perfect 10. As someone who always strives to improve, he humbly suggested that there is always more to be done.
### “Impossible” to Rate a Perfect 10
When asked to reflect on his 2024 campaign, Alcaraz gave a candid assessment. While acknowledging the tremendous success of the year, he was quick to temper any idea of perfection. “It is impossible to rate it 10 out of 10 as you can always be better, but it was a really amazing year for me,” he said. “I would say eight and a half or nine. It could have been better with the gold medal or other tournaments, but I would say 8.5.”
While most players would be satisfied with winning four Grand Slams, multiple Masters titles, and reaching the final of the Olympics, Alcaraz’s perfectionism reveals just how high his standards are. He feels that despite his success, there are areas where he can improve—whether it’s sharpening his skills, refining his fitness, or altering his approach to certain tournaments.
His decision to rate his season as an 8.5 also speaks to Alcaraz’s growth as a player. At just 21 years old, he is already one of the most complete and well-rounded players in the world, yet his constant drive for improvement suggests that he sees his career as a continuous journey rather than a destination.
### Lessons from Disappointments: “I Know Myself More”
Alcaraz’s 2024 season hasn’t been entirely without disappointment, particularly in the months following his Olympic silver medal in Paris. After a strong start to the year, Alcaraz faced unexpected struggles in several key tournaments. He suffered early exits from the **Cincinnati Open**, the **US Open**, and the **Paris Masters**, all of which were tough blows to his confidence.
Despite these setbacks, Alcaraz has been quick to reflect on them as part of his growth process. “I learned a lot this year. I know myself more as a person and a player: what I need to do, what I need, on and off the court,” Alcaraz remarked. “Some of my losses this year were really painful for me: what I have to do, to train on days off. It is not only a goal on the court but also what you have to do on days off: how many days to take before going to the tournament, before it starts to prepare as best as possible.”
Alcaraz’s self-awareness is a key aspect of his maturity. Instead of focusing solely on the outcome of each match, he’s begun to place more emphasis on the holistic aspects of his game, understanding the importance of rest, recovery, and preparation away from the court. This mental shift is essential for longevity in a sport like tennis, where the demands of the tour can be physically and mentally exhausting.
### The ATP Finals: A Crucial Final Test
Looking ahead to the **ATP Finals**, which will be his last singles event of the season, Alcaraz is determined to end his year on a high note. He will face a challenging group in the round-robin phase, taking on **Alexander Zverev**, **Casper Ruud**, and **Andrey Rublev**—three of the toughest competitors in men’s tennis.
Alcaraz reached the semifinals of the **ATP Finals** last year but fell short, losing in straight sets to eventual champion **Novak Djokovic**. Reflecting on his performance in 2023, Alcaraz admitted that the end of the season had been difficult for him. “Last year was a difficult end of the year for me,” Alcaraz explained. “I could not play at my best. The last two matches here were pretty good matches for me, but the previous two or three tournaments I didn’t play at my best, so I realized I had to change a little bit at this time of the year, which I did this year.”
Alcaraz is approaching this year’s ATP Finals with a new mindset. “I come here a little bit different. I approach this tournament a little differently, knowing there are things I have to change if I am to have a good result here and go far,” he said. “Last year I didn’t start well from the first matches. I will try to play the same level and will try to play good tennis. I am coming here with a lot of motivation.”
One of the key lessons from last year’s experience at the **ATP Finals** was the realization that Alcaraz needed to adjust his approach to the tail end of the season. The high stakes of the ATP Finals require not just physical readiness but also mental fortitude. Alcaraz’s improved mindset and heightened motivation show that he’s learned from his previous struggles and is prepared to give his best effort this time around.
### A Year of Growth: Reflecting on Success and Learning from Losses
As he heads into the **ATP Finals**, Alcaraz’s reflections on his 2024 season reveal an athlete who is as focused on his mental and physical development as he is on winning trophies. His four Grand Slam titles and multiple Masters 1000 victories are testament to his extraordinary talent, but it is his ability to learn from setbacks and embrace challenges that sets him apart as one of the most exciting young stars in tennis.
Alcaraz has been a revelation since his breakthrough season in 2022, but he recognizes that success is not just about titles; it’s about continual self-improvement. “You can always be better,” he said, emphasizing that his drive for improvement goes beyond just winning trophies. As Alcaraz prepares for the final tournament of the year, fans and pundits alike will be watching to see if this renewed focus and determination will propel him to yet another title—and whether he can finish 2024 with a victory that cements his status as one of the best players in the world.
As the season winds down, Carlos Alcaraz’s journey continues to inspire. With his eyes set on the future and his commitment to growth, there is no doubt that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.