Despite entering the tournament as a favorite, Carlos Alcaraz recently witnessed a shocking exit at the Paris Masters. The four-time Grand Slam winner couldn’t maintain a consistent performance. As a result, he was ousted in the R16. However, the poor run in Paris also cost him to slip to the third position in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, with Alexander Zverev climbing up the ladder to the No. 2 spot. Obviously, things are not looking great for the Spaniard at the moment, but all’s not lost yet!

The current season in general has been impressive for Alcaraz. He won two major titles with the French Open and the Wimbledon earlier this year. He also claimed the China Open trophy, defeating the current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. However, the overall form has been fluctuating lately when it comes to making adjustments to various conditions. An example of this was seen in Paris, where Carlos said he couldn’t adapt to the courts and extreme conditions. While acknowledging his fate, the player tried to imply that he gave his best in the event. But a reputed former ATP pro believes otherwise.

On November 2nd, Paolo Bertolucci, the Italian former tennis player and current commentator, reflected on Alcaraz’s form while speaking to the Sky Sport studio(reported by Corriere dello Sport). “Carlos said that in Paris he gave the best of what he can offer now. If the level is the same in Turin, well he will have a big problem to solve,” said Bertolucci while raising concerns on the Spaniard’s lack of consistency. Especially when the ATP Finals is just around the corner. Point to note: Alcaraz reached the SFs in Turin last year.

“In two weeks, however, many things can change. Of course against Humbert in Bercy he played his worst match of the year”, Bertolucci added. On October 31st, the French No. 1, Ugo Humbert, put on a show for the Bercy crowd and gave Alcaraz quite the fright on Halloween, blitzing the first set 6-1, before splitting the next two as Humbert came out on top 7-5 in the decider.

“His ambitions are clear: Alcaraz wants Sinner’s throne, he is not satisfied with being number two or number three. It is obvious that he can never be satisfied, but he is caged in this very spectacular and overflowing game of his, that only works when he is well,” revealed Paolo. Bertolucci concluded that when he’s at his peak, he’s unbeatable. However, his inconsistency remains a significant issue and “When he stutters, it becomes a problem for him and if you want to become number one in the world you cannot allow this.”

Consequently, Alcaraz is hopeful for a return to form in Turin despite a poor show at the Paris Masters.

Carlos Alcaraz is determined for a comeback at the ATP Finals

In a recent press conference, Carlos Alcaraz mentioned that he was in shock after crashing out of the event in Paris. He had the zeal to reach into the final rounds. Unfortunately, he failed to capitalize on the opportunities against his French opponent, Ugo Humbert. “I’m annoyed by the defeat,” said the Spaniard. He also cited unfavorable conditions for a disappointing performance. According to him, the courts were too fast “compared to other tournaments or the same tournaments from one year to the next.”

But having a winning mindset, he’s now hoping for a revival at the ATP Finals this month. “In the end you have to think about the next thing, you have to think that this has happened, prepare the [Nitto ATP] Finals in the best possible way.” As of now, he’s already left the Paris Masters behind. His sole focus is on the upcoming tournament in Italy where he will compete with many top-ranked contenders. Not to mention that Carlos will be up against Jannik Sinner once again during this event.

The rivalry between these two best players has reached to new heights in 2024. After getting the better of Carlos in a recent clash during the final of Six Kings Slam, Sinner must be feeling on top of the world. On the other hand, Alcaraz will try to take a sweet revenge while also clinching the trophy in Turin. Who do you think will emerge victorious this time? Also, will Carlos regain his No.1 spot with a stellar run at the ATP Finals? Let us know in the comments.