Deploy Folding Table of contents
Carlos Alcaraz found his stride after a rocky start at the Turin Masters. Following a challenging defeat against Casper Ruud in his opening match, the young Spaniard displayed a renewed vigor, decisively overcoming Andrey Rublev in straight sets (6-3, 7-6 [8]). With a newfound determination, Alcaraz reflected on the changes he made and expressed feeling much more comfortable in this second bout. “Yes, I felt good. Well, actually, I made an effort to feel good. Andrey is a tough opponent, incredibly aggressive. I aimed to play my best tennis, to dominate the rallies and minimize running. I think I achieved that pretty well,” shared Carlos Alcaraz in comments reported by L’Equipe. This victory was particularly significant as it followed a disappointing loss to Ruud. “The match against Casper was really challenging. I didn’t feel fit at all, but that’s not an excuse; I needed to move on. For the second match, I had to feel the ball better. Overall, I’m feeling a bit better, but not by much,” acknowledged Alcaraz.
The Importance of Mental Preparation
Now boasting an impressive record of 12 wins against 4 losses against top 10 players, Alcaraz attributes much of his success to his rigorous mental preparation. “I focus solely on tennis. When you face these guys, you understand you need to play your best tennis; otherwise, you will lose. Just that mindset is incredibly beneficial. Before a match, I visualize the points I want to play, the strokes I want to hit. Tennis is largely mental; it’s about how you talk to yourself pre-match. Whenever I play a top 10 player, I assure myself that I’m the best, that I’ll play my top tennis, and that I’ll be 100% ready to defeat them,” explained the world number two.
A Unique Advantage with Breathing Support
A notable detail that caught attention was the tape on Alcaraz’s nose. He later clarified that it helped him breathe more easily during rallies. “Yes, it helped a lot. I could breathe much better. I’m not sure if I will wear it often, but for this specific match, it was beneficial. I am almost certain I’ll have it on again for my next match,” stated Alcaraz, hoping that this small adjustment would bring him luck in the ongoing tournament. He faces a tough challenge on Friday with his third and final match against Alexander Zverev.
Turning Defeats into Learning Experiences
For Alcaraz, every match, whether a win or a loss, serves as a learning opportunity. His capacity to analyze and adapt after setbacks has been crucial in his journey to the top of the tennis world. Winning against superior opponents requires not just technical skill but also psychological resilience. When questioned about his mindset after facing Ruud, Alcaraz insisted, “I took it as a learning experience and did my best to apply that knowledge in the next match.” This mindset illustrates the essential balance between confidence and humility that every champion needs.
The Road Ahead for Alcaraz
As Carlos Alcaraz prepares for his upcoming match against Zverev, fans are eager to see how he will continue to apply his mental strategies and physical adjustments on the court. The stakes are notably high, and each game provides an essential stepping stone on his path to greatness. With his eyes firmly set on winning, Alcaraz embodies the spirit of a true competitor, one who believes in conquering challenges through hard work and mental fortitude.
In Summary: After facing a setback against Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz came back stronger to defeat Andrey Rublev in his second match of the Turin Masters, reinforcing the importance of mental and physical preparation in his tennis journey.
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