Carlos Alcaraz’s Outburst Over Inconsistency of Balls During Shanghai Masters Upset Goes Viral: “I Can’t Play Like This”

The always smiling Carlos Alcaraz was frustrated throughout his third-round match against Zizou Bergs at the Shanghai Masters. Bergs ended up winning the match with a 7-5, 7-6(4) scoreline.

Alcaraz was seen ranting to himself or his team about the inconsistent bounce of the ball. A few days ago, Taylor Fritz also complained about the balls, calling them “miserable” once they are worn out.

Although much of what Alcaraz said about the balls was inaudible, one clip of the Spaniard’s outburst has gone viral on social media. He couldn’t understand how the ball was behaving, saying one ball was bouncing high while the other slipped through.

I don’t understand a thing. It can’t be that one ball bounces and the other slips on me. I can’t, man, I can’t play like this, man. Damn it!

Carlos Alcaraz said

His coach, Samuel Lopez, was also heard giving him advice. Lopez told his protégé to add more topspin to his backhand.

The slice is disrupting your rhythm. Hit more topspin to the backhand side. If you have to miss, miss big. And target the body more with your second serves. Keep going, give it a smack, damn it.

Alcaraz has never won a title at the Canadian Open, Shanghai Masters, or Paris Masters. He played in Shanghai for the third time in his career, reaching the quarterfinal only once, in 2024. An injury forced him to skip the tournament last year.

whatever you say https://t.co/Uf4C3CpOJR

— #10 (@goatcaraz) October 12, 2026

Zizou Bergs reacts to his victory over Carlos Alcaraz

Zizou Bergs has so far reached just one quarterfinal in Masters 1000s. He reached the stage in last year’s Shanghai Masters, losing the match to four-time champion Novak Djokovic. The Belgian ace registered the biggest win of his career with his victory over Alcaraz.

This is something that has been very tough for me. I often have too much respect for these guys, which is part of my culture and I’m proud of that. But it gets a little bit in the way when you have to play them. I had a great moment here last year against Djokovic where I was definitely playing the name, not the guy.

Zizou Bergs said at the press conference (H/T: ATPTour.com)

It was also his career’s third top-10 win. Before the seven-time Grand Slam champion, Bergs had defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in the 2026 United Cup and Andrey Rublev at the 2025 Miami Open.

The more experience you have practicing against them and playing matches, the more it becomes the new standard a little bit. To have this moment, for me, is a little bit of a relief. I feel like now I really can win against these guys. Not just I can play against them, but I can win against them.

Zizou Bergs added

Bergs will next be locking horns with 15th seed Tommy Paul, who went past defending champion Valentin Vacherot in the third round. He has won only one tour-level title so far, at the Eastbourne International this year, by defeating Ugo Humbert.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, was chasing his fourth title of the season in Shanghai. After winning back-to-back titles at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open by beating Djokovic and Arthur Fils, respectively.

He then reached the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters, only to lose to World No.1 Jannik Sinner in the final, failing to defend his title. The 23-year-old injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open, forcing him to sit on the sidelines for four months.

He returned to action at the US Open, reached the quarterfinals, where he lost to eventual runner-up Ben Shelton. Alcaraz then defended his title at the Japan Open by beating Jiri Lehecka.

Also read: Jannik Sinner’s Injury Highlights ‘Strange’ Trend on Tennis Tour