Carlos Alcaraz‘s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 21, he’s taken the tennis world by storm, racking up four titles this year, including two Grand Slams, and even snagging an Olympic silver medal. His raw power, speed, and fearless style have left fans and experts alike in awe. But every player has a chink in their armor, and for Alcaraz, it’s been his struggles on indoor hard courts—a surface that has, at times, challenged his game. Yet, in true Alcaraz fashion, he’s not letting the skeptics get to him. 

The Spanish tennis sensation played a sensational match against Andrey Rublev in the ATP Finals and handed a baffling defeat to the Russian star in straight sets 6-3, 7-6(8). Alcaraz engaged in an interview with Tennis Channel after the match and discussed his latest performance. When quizzed about his take on his skills on the inside hard courts, the Spaniard demonstrated true confidence. 

Speaking in the interview, he highlighted that while he struggles a little on the surface, he is poised to improve his skills. “I think I have to be consistent, try to raise the level on the courts. I consider myself that I play well but I could be better,” Alcaraz said. Continuing further, Alcaraz revealed his desires and said that he is determined to be one of the best players on the surface. 

“I am sure an ambitious guy, I am sure I am gonna get that level and gonna be one of the best players in the world in the court and gonna win you know the important tournaments. It’s about getting experience playing matches, playing tournaments,” he added. Interestingly, Alcaraz’s latest remarks come at a time when he has been facing criticism and voices of concern over his performance on the indoor courts. 

Commenting on the Spaniard’s performance on the surface, Julien Varlet highlighted his challenges in an interview with the French publication Lequipe. “On this surface, he does not have the right tactics. He plays point by point. It is a bit messy,” he said. Similar views came from Roger Federer’s former coach Ivan Ljubicic, who gave an upper hand to Jannik Sinner in the ATP Finals highlighting Alcaraz’s woes. 

“It’s also because Alcaraz hasn’t convinced me on the inside courts yet. He has a very high level on hard courts, but on indoor courts, even in Turin last year, he suffered a lot,” Ljubicic said in an interaction with We Love Tennis. The stats also highlight the challenges that Alcaraz has faced on the hard courts. 

The 4-time Grand Slam champion has played 33 matches on the indoor hard courts ahead of the ATP Finals. While he has faced only 10 defeats in these matches, he has failed to win a single title except the Next Gen ATP Finals 2021. In this year’s ATP Finals too, he lost the first match in a massive setback against Casper Ruud. However, despite the challenges he has faced on the surface, Alcaraz remains stoic and determined to win the title. 

When Carlos Alcaraz revealed his goals for the ATP Finals

Carlos Alcaraz might have faced challenges on the inside hard courts but his resilience and determination have made him a sensational force in the sports arena. It is for this determination, that Alcaraz has continued to remain positive about his chances in the tournament and has openly expressed his desire to win the title. 

Speaking to ATP media ahead of the tournament, the Spaniard said, “I come here with the goal to win. I want to put this trophy next to the others and it is a good goal. I am playing against the best players in the world, so I need to play my best.” This confidence is also giving him the motivation to face the local boy and World No. 1 and Jannik Sinner in Turin, whom he can face if both players qualify for the semi-finals or the finals. 

When quizzed about Sinner’s absence in his group during an interview with Marca, Alcaraz said, “It didn’t matter to me, it didn’t matter to me because in the end the eight best players in the world play here and to be the best you have to beat the best.” For now, it would be interesting to see if the star player will be able to keep up his dominant side as he gears to face Alexander Zverev in the next match. Will this optimism help Carlos Alcaraz clinch the ATP Finals title? Well, only time will tell.