Roger Federer’s ex-coach reveals the moment Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 season capitulated
Carlos Alcaraz only managed to win one ATP title after having a heartbreaking loss at the Paris Olympics final against Novak Djokovic.
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Carlos Alcaraz frustrated after losing a point to Novak Djokovic during 2024 Paris Olympics final (Image via Imago)
Paul Annacone, former coach of Roger Federer, believes Carlos Alcaraz lost some of his joy after his loss in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old Spaniard is already seen as one of the top players in men’s tennis, alongside stars like Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz had a remarkable 2024 season, winning two of the four Grand Slam titles for the first time in his career. He claimed the French Open by defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set final. He then defended his Wimbledon title, beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6.
You have to find what motivates you and stick with it. And I think Carlos Alcaraz is a joyful player. I think this year he lost a little bit of that joy, for a multitude of reasons. I think one of his greatest accomplishments was one of the biggest obstacles he had to overcome this year, which was getting ‘only’ a silver medal. That’s a great accomplishment, but I think it broke his heart a little bit at the Olympics, and I think it messed him up a little bit for the rest of the summer.
Paul Annacone on Inside-In Podcast (H/T: Tennis365)
Despite his strong start, Alcaraz struggled in the second half of the season. His form became inconsistent, and he ended the year with a disappointing performance at the ATP Finals. There, he failed to reach the semifinals after losing two of his three group-stage matches.
In the second half of the season, Alcaraz only won one title, which was at the China Open. The Spaniard beat Sinner in three high-quality sets in the final to secure his fourth title of the season. However, despite the two Grand Slams and an Olympic medal, he wasn’t able to secure a top 2 finish in the ATP rankings.
Former American tennis player makes bold prediction about Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Former tennis player Sam Querrey recently shared his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz’s 2024 season during the Nothing Major Podcast. He found it surprising that the four-time major champion ended the year outside the top two, despite winning two Grand Slam titles. Querrey praised the 21-year-old for already having four Grand Slam victories and expressed confidence that Alcaraz would continue to add to that tally in the coming years.
This might sound crazy but I am selling a bit of my Alcaraz stock. I have lost a little faith in him, he has thrown in some bad losses. I can see him ending next year at like five in the world. Not like two or three, five!
Sam Querrey said on Nothing Major Podcast
Alcaraz had a strong season overall, with notable wins at the French Open and Wimbledon. These achievements showcased his skill and solidified his status as one of the best players on the ATP Tour. However, inconsistency in the latter part of the year hurt his rankings and momentum.
The Spaniard finished third in the year-end rankings, behind Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev. At the ATP Finals in Turin, he managed a win against Andrey Rublev but suffered losses to Zverev and Casper Ruud, resulting in an early exit. Meanwhile, Sinner claimed the title and cemented his position as the world No. 1.
Querrey noted that Alcaraz faces a tough challenge ahead, with Sinner showing no signs of slowing down. While the Spaniard has already accomplished a lot at a young age, staying competitive in a field that includes rising stars like Sinner will require even greater consistency and focus in 2025.
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Fahad Hamid
(654 Articles Published)