Carlos Alcaraz’s Nitto ATP Finals journey in Turin came to an unexpected and disappointing end as the young Spanish star, despite high expectations, exited the competition at the group stage. Alcaraz, a former world No. 1, had arrived in Italy with aspirations of taking his season’s strong momentum further. However, a combination of health setbacks and fierce competition derailed his campaign, notably beginning with a tough opening loss to Norway’s Casper Ruud. The two-set defeat created an uphill battle for Alcaraz, who later managed to bounce back with a hard-fought victory over Andrey Rublev in his second group match.
Alcaraz’s next challenge came in the form of Germany’s Alexander Zverev, and despite his best efforts, the Spaniard fell short. Zverev, who is playing arguably the best tennis of his career, displayed impressive resilience and skill, outmaneuvering Alcaraz at crucial junctures. The match featured breathtaking exchanges, and while Alcaraz had his opportunities in both sets, Zverev’s clutch shot-making made the difference. In a thrilling final game, Zverev produced two jaw-dropping winners, leaving Alcaraz visibly stunned but gracious in defeat. The 21-year-old from Murcia congratulated his opponent with genuine sportsmanship and wished him well for the remainder of the tournament.
For Alcaraz, this early exit marked a step backward compared to his 2023 performance when he reached the semifinals before losing to Novak Djokovic. Yet, this setback is far from a definitive judgment on his season or career trajectory.
Despite his premature exit, Alcaraz’s 2024 season remains a remarkable one. At just 21, he captured two Grand Slam titles, triumphing at Roland Garros and Wimbledon—a feat that established him as the youngest player ever to achieve this milestone. Additionally, he successfully defended his title at the Indian Wells Masters 1000, claimed the ATP 500 crown in Beijing, and secured a silver medal at the Olympic Games. His accomplishments reflect a maturity and versatility beyond his years, proving that he is here to stay among the elite in men’s tennis. The Spaniard’s success on the court also translated into financial reward; he has earned nearly $10 million in prize money this year alone, a figure that could rise further with a strong showing at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
Alcaraz’s commitment to representing Spain remains unwavering, and he is determined to lead his nation at the Davis Cup Finals, which begin next week. This tournament holds special significance, as it will be the final official competition for his compatriot and tennis icon Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz, who has long admired and been inspired by Nadal, views this event as a chance to honor his mentor while striving to deliver a standout performance for his country.
Reflecting on the physical and mental challenges he faced during the latter part of the year, Alcaraz acknowledged the toll of travel and competition. “Yeah, it is not easy. It is not easy, at least for me, traveling a lot in this part of the year. I miss home. I want to spend time with my close people at home,” he candidly stated during a press conference following his match against Zverev. Despite this, he emphasized the privilege and joy of competing at top-tier tournaments, adding, “But anyway, as I said, I have to find it enjoyable playing these kinds of tournaments because it is a privilege. But, yeah, next year I will try to be better on that part.”
Looking ahead, Alcaraz’s primary focus will soon shift to the 2025 season and the Australian Open, a Grand Slam where he has historically struggled. His best result in Melbourne thus far has been a quarterfinal finish, which he achieved this year before being ousted by Zverev. With ambitions of capturing his fifth Major title, he will face formidable challenges from rivals such as Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Novak Djokovic. The latter remains a perpetual threat in Australia, a tournament where he has excelled throughout his career.
During his recent press conference, Alcaraz offered high praise for Djokovic, acknowledging the Serbian’s ability to rise to the occasion despite limited competition. “A really dangerous player. I mean, he deserves to choose what tournaments he’s going to play,” Alcaraz remarked. “We’ve seen before that it doesn’t matter that he doesn’t play an official match for two, three, four months because he’s going to come again and be able to win the tournament, be able to show a really high level of tennis.”
Alcaraz also highlighted Djokovic’s unique preparation style and family commitments, noting how his time off could make him a refreshed and motivated contender. “So in Australian Open, it depends on the hunger he has. If he goes to Australia with hunger, he is going to be one of the favorites to win. Let’s see. He’s going to be fresh, for sure. A lot of time with his family, kids, wife. Have time to practice a lot, which is pretty good for a tennis player coming to a tournament with motivations.”
As Alcaraz prepares to close out his season with the Davis Cup and look forward to a new year, his ambition and drive remain unmistakable. While this year’s ATP Finals did not go as planned, the young Spaniard’s potential remains limitless. His journey continues, and the tennis world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the career of one of its brightest stars.