Carlos Alcaraz Unexpectedly Snubs Novak Djokovic as French Open Recency Bias Clouds Personal Judgement

Just a month ago there were “a lot of doubts” surrounding Carlos Alcaraz‘s participation in the 2024 French Open. The 21-year-old lad from Murcia later on, not only recovered from his injuries successfully but also earned his first title triumph at the Roland Garros. He defeated the world number 4, Alexander Zverev in a five-set thriller in the finals of the 2024 French Open on Sunday. Following his emphatic triumph over the German, Alcaraz became the youngest man in the history of the racquet sport to complete the career Surface Slam. Carlos Alcaraz has made winning major titles a habit now! But which is that one moment he is most proud of as of now in his tennis career?

Carlos Alcaraz won his first major title in 2022 at the US Open. Following that victory on American soil, the Spaniard became the youngest man and first male teenager in the Open Era to top the singles ranking (19 years, 4 months, and 6 days). After that, a year later, he defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals of the 2023 Wimbledon by 1-6,7-6(6),6-1,3-6,6-4 to land his second major title of his career. Recalling those historic moments, Alcaraz said, “Winning the US Open when I reached for the first time, the number one- something that I dreamt since I started playing tennis.”

The new French Open champion went on to add, “Getting my first Grand Slam was pretty special, but honestly the way I won beating Novak Djokovic in five sets has been a great achievement for me. And right now, lifting the Roland Garros trophy knowing everything that I’ve been through in the last month with injuries and all that stuff. I don’t know probably this one is the moment that I’m really proud of about myself.” Carlos Alcaraz revealed he had to go through some tough phases in the last few months to be where he is today. So, according to him, this is the moment that stands a bit higher than defeating Djokovic in the Wimbledon finals.

However, winning a Grand Slam title is always special. But winning it on three different surfaces is even more special and Carlos Alcaraz is a special player! He has done it thrice in his six years of being a pro tennis player. What is the lesson he has learned from playing these big finals and is there any secret to success in these vital matches?

“If you don’t show mental strength, you don’t win Grand Slams” – Carlos Alcaraz

To be the best, one must definitely beat the best. But to beat the best one should have to be strong both physically and mentally. Carlos Alcaraz revealed that he has learned that mental strength wins matches. This is a lesson he learned this year while playing at the Roland Garros. He strongly believes that it’s not necessary to play brilliantly in all the matches, but a player must be mentally strong to win these vital matchups in their careers.

“If you are mentally weak, even if you play the best tennis of your life, you probably won’t overcome adversity or win a Grand Slam tournament. You can advance rounds. But when the time comes, if you don’t show mental strength, you don’t win Grand Slams,” Carlos Alcaraz said in the post-match interview. He further revealed, “It is the subject that I have passed and that I had pending.” What are your thoughts on this incredible run from the 21-year-old Spaniard at the Roland Garros this year?