LONDON — Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion, has opened up about his surprising loss to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 Wimbledon semifinals, dismissing suggestions that his rivals played a decisive role in the defeat. Instead, the young Spaniard pointed to "a combination of fatigue and mental lapses" as the primary reasons behind his exit.
Alcaraz, who had been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, fell to Sinner in a thrilling five-set encounter (6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 5-7, 6-3) that lasted over four hours. The match was widely regarded as one of the most intense battles of the season, with both players showcasing their explosive shot-making and relentless athleticism.
Alcaraz Takes Responsibility for the Loss
In his post-match press conference, Alcaraz refused to blame external factors, including the pressure of defending his title or the quality of Sinner’s game. "Jannik played great, but I lost this match because of me," he admitted. "I had chances, especially in the fourth set, but my focus wasn’t there when it mattered most."
The 21-year-old acknowledged that the physical toll of back-to-back tournaments, including his French Open triumph just weeks earlier, had left him drained. "I felt heavy in my legs, and my mind wasn’t as sharp as it needed to be," he confessed.
Key Moments That Cost Alcaraz
Alcaraz highlighted several critical moments where he faltered:
- "I wasted break points in the third set—that was a turning point."
- "My serve let me down in the fifth set; I couldn’t find my rhythm."
- "I made too many unforced errors under pressure."
Despite the loss, Alcaraz praised Sinner’s resilience, particularly in the decisive fifth set. "Jannik was clinical when it mattered. He deserved the win."
The Fatigue Factor
Alcaraz’s grueling schedule leading up to Wimbledon has been a topic of discussion among tennis analysts. Since the start of the season, he has played:
- Australian Open (semifinals)
- Indian Wells (champion)
- Monte Carlo (quarterfinals)
- Madrid (semifinals)
- French Open (champion)
His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, had previously warned about the risks of burnout. "We knew the calendar was packed, but Carlos loves competing. Sometimes, it catches up with you," Ferrero said.
Looking Ahead
Alcaraz remains optimistic about the rest of the season, emphasizing that the loss hasn’t shaken his confidence. "This is part of the journey. I’ll learn from it and come back stronger."
He confirmed his participation in the upcoming North American hardcourt swing, including the US Open, where he will aim to reclaim the title he won in 2022. "I love playing in New York. It’s a fresh start."
Conclusion: A Lesson in Humility
Alcaraz’s candid reflection on his Wimbledon loss underscores his maturity beyond his years. Rather than deflecting blame, he accepted responsibility—a trait that has endeared him to fans worldwide.
As Sinner advances to the final, Alcaraz’s focus shifts to recovery and preparation for the next challenge. "This won’t be the last time Jannik and I battle. I’ll make sure of that."