It is a tough pill to swallow when you give your everything but don’t find the desired result. A similar situation occurred with Carlos Alcaraz earlier this season. The Spanish sensation came agonizingly close to winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games but lost in the summit clash against Novak Djokovic. It proved to be a turning point of Alcaraz’s season as he struggled for form since. With the 2024 season coming to a close in a few days, Alcaraz reflected on a successful yet tough season for him.

Despite losing the gold medal match against Djokovic, Alcaraz managed to win many big titles, including the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships this year. However, he indirectly admitted to being disappointed by losing out on the gold medal by a close margin.

During an interview ahead of the ATP Finals in Turin, Alcaraz said, “I learned a lot this year. I know myself more as a person and a player: what I need to do, what I need, on and off the court. Some of my losses this year were really painful for me: what I have to do, to train on days off. It is not only a goal on the court but also what you have to do on days off: how many days to take before going to the tournament, before it starts to prepare as best.”

Apart from the Olympic loss, Alcaraz also had painful defeats at the Australian Open and the US Open. While he lost against Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals in Australia, he suffered a shocking second-round defeat against Botic van de Zandschulp at the US Open.

Nonetheless, Alcaraz is motivated to end his season on a high. The Spaniard revealed the recipe for his success in Turin if he is to go to the distance and lift the trophy.

Carlos Alcaraz set to approach ATP Finals in a different way

This will be Alcaraz’s second appearance at the ATP Finals, having reached the semifinals last year. However, he wants to go a step ahead and lift the title in Turin and end his season on a positive note. For this, Alcaraz has chalked out a unique strategy that might give sleepless nights to his rival.

Alcaraz revealed, “I’m coming here a bit differently. I’m approaching this tournament in a different way, knowing that I need to change some things if I want to achieve good results and advance. Last year I didn’t start well from the first matches. I will try to play at the same level with good tennis, and I come here with a lot of motivation.”

Further, Alcaraz has been handed a kind draw at the ATP Finals. He is placed alongside the likes of Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Andrey Rublev. With luck on his side, it’ll be interesting to see if the Spaniard can lift his maiden ATP Finals crown.