Roger Federer’s former coach reveals the defeat which broke Carlos Alcaraz’s heart

Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 season was marked by both triumph and heartbreak, culminating in a year that showcased his immense talent while exposing areas of vulnerability. Paul Annacone, renowned for coaching legends like Roger Federer and Pete Sampras and currently working with Taylor Fritz, offered a detailed analysis of Alcaraz’s journey, emphasizing the impact of his Paris Olympic final loss to Novak Djokovic. This defeat, according to Annacone, became a defining moment that shaped the remainder of the young Spaniard’s season.

#### **The Highs and Lows of Alcaraz’s Season**

Alcaraz started the year on an exceptional note, claiming titles at both the French Open and Wimbledon. These victories cemented his status as one of the brightest stars in the tennis world. His triumph at Roland Garros was particularly significant, as it demonstrated his versatility and adaptability on different surfaces. Following this, his dominant performance at Wimbledon underscored his ability to compete—and win—on grass, traditionally a challenging surface for Spanish players.

However, the second half of Alcaraz’s season told a different story. The Paris Olympics loomed large on his calendar, and winning the gold medal was a top priority. His journey to the final seemed to be unfolding perfectly until he faced Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend, known for his mental fortitude and experience in high-stakes matches, outplayed Alcaraz in a closely contested final. The emotional toll of that defeat was evident, as Alcaraz shed tears on the podium, a moment that resonated with fans and commentators alike.

Following the Olympics, Alcaraz’s form dipped noticeably. He suffered an unexpected loss to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open, followed by a shocking early exit at the US Open against Botic van de Zandschulp. These defeats raised questions about his mental resilience and physical endurance. Although he showed glimpses of his brilliance by winning the Laver Cup and the China Open—defeating Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final—his performances in Shanghai and the Paris Masters were underwhelming.

At the Nitto ATP Finals, Alcaraz failed to reach the semifinals, a disappointing end to what had started as a promising year. According to Annacone, this inconsistency can be traced back to the emotional impact of the Olympic loss.

#### **Annacone’s Perspective: The Turning Point**

In an interview on the Tennis Channel’s *Inside In* podcast, Annacone explained that the defeat to Djokovic in Paris had a profound effect on Alcaraz’s mindset. “Carlos is a player full of joy,” Annacone noted. “I think he lost a bit of it this year for many reasons. The defeat in the final at Paris 2024 broke his heart a bit and left its mark on the rest of the season.”

He emphasized that while Alcaraz possesses a remarkable mental fortitude and is supported by a strong team, the emotional burden of falling short in such a significant match was challenging to overcome. “It’s just a blip,” Annacone added, suggesting that this experience could serve as a valuable lesson for the young star.

Annacone also pointed out that maintaining motivation is crucial for players like Alcaraz, who are used to winning. “You have to find what motivates you and stick with it. I think Carlos Alcaraz is a joyful player. I think he’s lost a little bit of that joy this year, for a multitude of reasons,” he reiterated.

#### **ATP Rankings Controversy: An Ongoing Debate**

Beyond analyzing Alcaraz’s emotional journey, Annacone also criticized the ATP ranking system, arguing that it fails to adequately reward major tournament victories. He used the example of Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev to illustrate his point. Despite winning two Grand Slam titles, Alcaraz finished the season ranked third, behind Zverev, who did not win any major titles.

“If you win two Grand Slams in 2024 and you’re not No. 2 in the world at the end of the year, to me that means there’s a problem in the system,” Annacone stated. This critique highlights a fundamental debate within the tennis community: should the ranking system prioritize consistent performance over the course of a season, or should it place greater emphasis on success in Grand Slam tournaments?

Zverev’s consistency throughout the year—evident in his numerous deep runs and overall match victories—earned him enough points to surpass Alcaraz. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner’s exceptional year, which included titles at the Australian Open, US Open, and the ATP Finals, saw him finish as the clear No. 1 with 11,830 points.

Annacone’s comments reflect a broader discussion about fairness and the value of different achievements. “Zverev has had an incredible year. The points don’t lie. He’s played an incredible amount of tennis. But if you win two Majors and you’re not No. 2, there’s a problem,” he concluded.

#### **The Rivalry with Sinner**

One of the most intriguing storylines of the 2024 season was the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner. The two young stars faced each other three times in competitive matches, with Alcaraz winning all three encounters—at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the French Open, and the China Open final. However, Sinner did claim a victory in an exhibition match, the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh.

This head-to-head dominance suggests that, despite his ranking, Alcaraz remains a formidable force. His ability to outperform Sinner in crucial matches demonstrates his potential to reclaim the top spot in the future.

#### **Looking Ahead**

While the 2024 season had its challenges, Carlos Alcaraz remains one of the most exciting talents in tennis. The lessons learned from this year, particularly the emotional fallout from the Paris Olympics, could serve as a catalyst for future success. With his incredible skill set, mental toughness, and a supportive team, Alcaraz is well-positioned to bounce back stronger.

As Annacone suggested, this season might be a “blip” in an otherwise stellar career. The journey of a top athlete is rarely smooth, and moments of adversity often pave the way for greater achievements. For Carlos Alcaraz, the future remains bright, and his story is far from over.

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