Beaten-down Alcaraz eager for end of a long season

A long Tour season – with the Davis Cup Finals looming next week at home in Spain – have taken a toll on Carlos Alcaraz, who crashed on Monday to a 6-1, 7-5 loss to Casper Ruud in a horror start at the ATP Finals. 

Alcaraz, titlewinner at Roland Garros and Wimbledon this season, was also carrying a cold as he went down in group play to the Norwegian who played the final here two years ago.

“A few days before coming here, I got sick at home. I could play. I could feel that I can get into the rallies in the practice,” he said.

“Today I didn’t feel well. This morning, I felt uncomfortable in the stomach. After long rallies today, I couldn’t feel well. 

“I don’t want to sound like an excuse. But if I feel bad, I feel bad. It is what happened today.”

The former No. 1 who now stands third behind Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev said that the weight of an 11-month tennis season is coming down hard on everyone.

“I dare to say that every player is tired mentally – I’m tired. I’m tired mentally. 

“A lot of matches, really tight schedule, really demanding year with not too many days off, not too many periods (where) you could rest… or you could practice at home… 

“You finish one week or you finish a swing, you only have two or three days off and then you have to go to other tournaments in other parts of the world.”

Alcaraz added: “You come into this part of the year tired. This year I’m much better than last year, but I have to find a way to perform and deliver good tennis (while)  being tired mentally.”

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz feeling unwell in today’s opening match – by ISF Ltd