Carlos Alcaraz draws parallels to Roger Federer’s loss against Novak Djokovic to explain how even champions can lose in important moments

Alcaraz was giving details of how nerves affected him during the French Open final.

Carlos Alcaraz draws parallels to Roger Federer’s loss against Novak Djokovic to explain how even champions can lose in important moments

Carlos Alcaraz draws parallels to Roger Federer’s 2011 US Open semifinal loss against Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Carlos Alcaraz won his third Grand Slam title at the French Open this year and has seemingly become accustomed to playing on the biggest stages. However, in a recent interview, he revealed that he too succumbs to pressure in certain situations. He said he was trembling as he tried to serve it out in the final against Alexander Zverev.

Roger Federer famously missed a routine forehand when he was serving for the championship in Wimbledon against Novak Djokovic in 2019. Alcaraz drew parallels with that moment to highlight that not even the best players are free of pressure and doubt during professional matches. 

In the final game at Roland Garros [the French Open) this month, I was shaking. The same is true at the Wimbledon final last year. My legs, my hands. It is a difficult moment and you have to trust yourself.

Carlos Alcaraz said in an interview with The Times

He believes that staying positive and going for his shots is the only way he can nullify the effects of the nerves and he elaborates on his thought process during such situations. 

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Everything I think in that moment is ‘go for it. If you miss it, you miss it. Don’t hold back. Don’t regret. Play positive. Go aggressively. Play your game.’ It’s okay to miss - that happens. It’s even happened to Federer who was 40-15 on his own serve in the 5th set and lost.

Carlos Alcaraz added

These techniques seem to be helping as Alcaraz is yet to lose in a Grand Slam final, arguably the most important match a tennis player can play, having won three out of the three that he has been part of.

Carlos Alcaraz expresses what winning Wimbledon last year meant to him

Carlos Alcaraz begins his Wimbledon title defense on Monday as he faces qualifier Mark Lajal on the Centre Court at 1.30 pm local time. 

2023 Wimbledon Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz with the 2023 Wimbledon winner’s trophy (Via Imago)

Having created history on the London lawns last year by defeating Novak Djokovic in a roller coaster final, Alcaraz earned the right to take home the rolling trophy. Alcaraz was interviewed on his way to place the trophy back on display at the All England Tennis And Croquet Club. He revealed what winning Wimbledon meant to him.

I see the trophy..it puts a smile on my face, seeing that all the hard work I put since I started playing tennis is paying off. It’s a great feeling, knowing that I am living my best life, I’m living my dream.
Carlos Alcaraz said to the Wimbledon media team

This year, he enters the tournament as one of the favorites, something he will have to get used to given his consistent performances, as he looks for back-to-back Grand Slam titles.

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