“I need this atmosphere and these matches where I feel I’m not playing alone,” Carlos Alcaraz said after he rallied past Ugo Humbert in the Davis Cup in Valencia. Perhaps a setback in the US Open has fueled his drive for success even more, and he has now pushed his team to Malaga for a QF match in November after the victory over France. Alongside him was his teammate, Roberto Bautista Agut, who showed similar grit and won against Arthur Fils! After watching his fight, a dumbfounded Carlitos shared his raw reactions!

Over the last couple of years, Carlos Alcaraz has faced his compatriot, Bautista, twice on the court, winning both matches. However, when he had the chance to watch the 36-year-old beat Fils 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, with the opening set lasting 50 minutes, Alcaraz was left in awe! “Davis Cup helps,” said the former World No. 9, who admitted he would forever remember the match. Moreover, Bautista, who led Spain to a 1-0 score and appreciated the fans’ support throughout the game, oozed confidence about his ability to continue playing “until the last point,” in a match. 

Echoing a similar sentiment, Carlos Alcaraz, who later extended the lead to 2-0 over France, couldn’t help but praise Bautista’s incredible performance. “He is a great fighter. To beat him, you have to have incredible mental strength. He spent three hours running side by side with Fils, who has an incredible physique, and he never gave up.” 

Furthermore, Alcaraz, who admitted he gave one of his best performances this year in this match, appreciated Bautista, saying, “Today’s match should be shown to children who want to play tennis. He is an example of overcoming, of attitude, of not giving up. Watching his match today has given me extra motivation to face my match.”

Even in his opening match win against Jiri Lehecka during their competition against the Czech Republic, Bautista showed the same resilience, ending the match 7-6(1), 6-4 against the World No. 37! According to him, he has had one of the “best experiences” of his life in the Davis Cup and has no intention of stopping his pursuit of more victories in the event. Much like Bautista, Carlos Alcaraz is also aiming for greater heights in the event and elaborated on his “good feelings” about the competition!

Carlos Alcaraz opens up on Spain’s “complete team of great players” in the Davis Cup

Following his victory, Carlos Alcaraz opened up about how he needs the support of his team and their cheers to continue his play. Despite his disappointment at missing the opportunity to play in the Davis Cup Final 8 a couple of years ago, the Spaniard is now aiming to prepare for the match against Australia in Malaga this year. And the World No. 3 is optimistic about his team!

“Good feelings in terms of competition, matches, the tie, but above all, a great atmosphere off the court as well. We have a very complete team made up of great players. During training days, we train at a high level of tennis, and off the court, we get along great.” Carlos Alcaraz further demonstrated his love for the beauty of Valencia city and praised the “incredible atmosphere” in the matches. Now just a few steps closer to the goal, Alcaraz and Bautista are aiming for an electrifying showdown on November 8 in Malaga! Fans cannot wait to see another amazing performance from the duo!