World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz is determined to avoid a repeat of his Paris Masters disappointment as he gears up for the ATP Finals in Turin. After a year of exceptional performances and four Grand Slam titles under his belt, the Spanish sensation is taking a proactive approach to his preparation for the season-ending tournament. Alcaraz, along with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, has gone as far as installing an exact replica of the Turin hard court at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Tennis Academy in Alicante to ensure he’s fully prepared for the conditions he’ll face.
Alcaraz’s experience at the ATP Finals last year showcased his potential, but it was also a learning experience. Although he was forced to withdraw in 2022 due to an abdominal injury, his 2023 debut saw him progress to the semi-finals, where he was eventually defeated by Novak Djokovic. This year, however, he wants to go one step further and claim the prestigious ATP Finals trophy.
### Lessons from the Paris Masters
Carlos Alcaraz’s run at the Paris Masters last week was a short-lived affair. After an initial victory over Nicolas Jarry, Alcaraz struggled in his third-round match against Frenchman Ugo Humbert, ultimately losing 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. The Spanish player was visibly uncomfortable on the super-fast Bercy surface, a factor that played a significant role in his defeat. Despite putting up a strong fight, Alcaraz couldn’t secure the critical points in the third set, and Humbert emerged victorious in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
This loss was particularly frustrating for Alcaraz. Humbert played inspired tennis, breaking Alcaraz’s serve twice in the opening set and using the momentum to claim a critical advantage. While Alcaraz rebounded in the second set, earning a break to take it 6-3, the third set saw him unable to push the match to a tiebreaker. Humbert capitalized on the Spaniard’s struggles with the court speed, playing aggressive, high-risk tennis that ultimately paid off. Alcaraz’s inability to adjust quickly enough was evident, and Humbert’s performance on his second serve kept Alcaraz from establishing any real rhythm.
Alcaraz’s challenge with the Paris court underscored the need for preparation on the exact surface he’ll face in Turin. He doesn’t want to be caught off guard again and has taken the experience to heart. By practicing on the Turin-spec hard court in Alicante, Alcaraz is aiming to build familiarity and confidence ahead of his matches in Italy. This preparation reflects both his and Ferrero’s meticulous approach to the game, seeking every advantage possible to ensure he’s mentally and physically ready.
### Alcaraz’s Semi-Final Journey at the 2023 ATP Finals
Alcaraz’s first full appearance at the ATP Finals in 2023 was a promising step, though it ended with a semi-final loss to Djokovic, the current world No. 1. The journey to that stage wasn’t without its challenges. In his opening match, Alcaraz faced Alexander Zverev, who pushed him hard in a three-set encounter. Alcaraz took the first set in a tiebreak but ultimately lost the match 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, after conceding three service breaks and struggling to maintain his form. Despite the loss, Alcaraz displayed resilience, defeating Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to advance to the semi-finals.
In the semi-final showdown against Djokovic, however, Alcaraz encountered one of the toughest tests of his young career. Djokovic, renowned for his returning prowess and strategic precision, was relentless from the start. Alcaraz had a high first-serve percentage, landing 84% of his first serves, but struggled to make them effective against Djokovic’s exceptional returns. Djokovic managed to fend off four break points in the match while breaking Alcaraz’s serve three times.
The opening set saw Djokovic applying pressure right from the start. Although Alcaraz had two break point opportunities in the first game, unforced errors let Djokovic off the hook, and the Serbian star used his advantage to serve out the first set 6-3. In the second set, Djokovic broke Alcaraz early to take a 3-1 lead, and despite Alcaraz’s attempts to claw back into the match, Djokovic’s consistency and experience proved too much. The 6-3, 6-2 result highlighted the gap Alcaraz still has to bridge if he is to consistently challenge the best in the world at the highest level.
### Looking Ahead to the ATP Finals in Turin
The experience of competing against players like Djokovic and Zverev has only served to motivate Alcaraz. After the disappointment in Paris, he’s more committed than ever to refining his game and avoiding any surprises. With his custom practice surface in place at the Ferrero Academy, Alcaraz is taking his training to a new level. By replicating the conditions he’ll face in Turin, Alcaraz is better positioned to feel comfortable and confident in his movements and shot selection during the ATP Finals.
Alcaraz’s physical and mental preparation also reflects his growth as a player. The 20-year-old is not just a prodigy but also a disciplined competitor who understands the importance of adjusting to different surfaces and playing styles. His focus on practicing under similar conditions underscores his desire to fine-tune even the smallest details. The ATP Finals provide a unique challenge, as players must face multiple top-ranked opponents in a condensed time frame, and adaptability is crucial.
As Alcaraz heads to Turin, he will have to navigate a field that includes players like Djokovic, Medvedev, and Zverev once again. Each match will test his adaptability and his ability to respond to different styles of play, particularly on a surface that demands both power and precision. However, with his determination and preparation, Alcaraz aims to make a deeper impact this time around and potentially claim his first ATP Finals title.
The Spaniard’s journey from Paris to Turin is one of growth and resilience. Alcaraz’s loss in Paris serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation, and his proactive approach reflects his commitment to becoming one of the best in the world. As he steps onto the Turin court with lessons learned and renewed focus, Alcaraz will look to turn those lessons into success on one of the biggest stages in tennis.