Popular journalist rings alarm bells on Carlos Alcaraz after his shocking opening round exit at the Miami Open
Carlos Alcaraz has not won either of the first two Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells and Miami for the first time since 2021.
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Carlos Alcaraz (ATP/X)
Carlos Alcaraz has endured another devastating loss in his career, as he was defeated in the opening round of the Miami Open. The Spaniard started the season well by reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and winning the Rotterdam Open.
However, he will now go without winning either of the first two Masters 1000 titles for the first time since 2021. He won Indian Wells in 2023 and 2024 and claimed the Miami title in 2022. Spanish journalist Jose Moron believes this is a key test for Alcaraz to see how he can regain his form.
It’s clear that Alcaraz is currently going through a difficult period. It may be the “worst” since he reached the top, but the question is how he and his team will manage to turn it around. Great athletes are formed based on how they get back up after falling or hitting rock bottom. I don’t think this defeat in Miami will plunge Carlos into the doldrums, but it does send a warning that things are not going well and that solutions must be found as quickly as possible. Now comes “his” tour. Where he must be far superior to the others. This is the right time to take flight.
Jose Moron said on Punto de Break
Alcaraz was arguably the best player in the world after Wimbledon last year. The Spaniard had completed the “Channel Slam” and was on the verge of dominance. However, his loss in the Olympic gold medal match against Novak Djokovic hurt his confidence.
After that, Alcaraz managed to win only one ATP title for the rest of the season. He then lost to Djokovic again in the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Carlos Alcaraz to suffer major ranking slump after Miami loss
World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of catching Jannik Sinner in the ATP rankings took a hit after an early loss in Miami. The world No. 55, David Goffin, defeated him 7-5, 4-6, 3-6 in the second round of the Masters 1000 event.
Alcaraz could not create a break point after the first set and now has a 1-2 record against Goffin. Sinner, the current world No. 1, is banned until May 4 due to two failed doping tests. He last played in January, defending his Australian Open title.
With Sinner out, Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev have a chance to close the ranking gap. Alcaraz has done well this season, winning in Rotterdam and reaching the Indian Wells semi-finals. But his Miami exit cost him 190 points, dropping his total to 6,720.
Sinner will lose 1,000 points for missing Miami, bringing his total to 10,330. Alcaraz is now 3,610 points behind him and cannot reach No. 1 before Sinner returns. Zverev, however, has a chance to gain points and could reach 8,545 if he wins the Miami title.
David Goffin reveals keys to his stunning win over Carlos Alcaraz
David Goffin, once ranked No. 7 in the world and now No. 55, pulled off a big win against Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the Masters 1000 tournament. He won the match 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 against the second seed.
I think it was key to be aggressive from the return, especially on his second serve. Sometimes he hits the target on the first serve and you cannot do anything. The key was, even if I missed, I had to be aggressive. Because otherwise, if I’m just too passive, then he has his forehand or… he has everything. If you’re too passive, then you’re dead.
David Goffin said in his post-match interview
Alcaraz fought hard in the first set. He came back from a break down at 3-4 to take the set. But after that, Goffin took control and played better. The Belgian did not face a single break point in the last two sets. He broke Alcaraz three more times and secured a surprising victory.
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner, has now lost two matches in a row. Goffin, a six-time ATP champion, said being aggressive was the key to beating the former No. 1.
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