“Not in the right mood,” A dejected Carlos Alcaraz frowns on the missed chances as his goal to replace Novak Djokovic as World No. 1 lies by a thread

Carlos Alcaraz looks very frustrated and devastated after his shocking loss in the second round of the Paris Masters against Roman Safiullin.

“Not in the right mood,” A dejected Carlos Alcaraz frowns on the missed chances as his goal to replace Novak Djokovic as World No. 1 lies by a thread

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has been the next big thing in tennis for quite some time and even dethroned Novak Djokovic for the top spot midway through the year.

With many fans laying their hopes on this young man to be the one to battle it out with the veteran Serb, the Paris Masters was the only competition that would decide the top spot at the end of the year.

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However, to everyone’s surprise, Alcaraz received a major upset when he was knocked out by Roman Safiullin in his first match itself by a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4, leaving the entire tennis fanbase questioning the mentality of the young man. 

Following the devastating loss, Carlos was asked to comment on how he felt about the year-end competition, which is the ATP Finals, and if he would be able to get ready in time. The young talent shied away from the question instantly, still trying to overcome the loss he had suffered.

I don't know. I have time before the ATP Finals, a lot of days of practice to be able to reach that level, the level that I want to play. But right now I'm not in the right mood to talk.
Carlos Alcaraz said druing press interview

Continuing his train of thought, Carlos further added: 

Honestly after the loss, I have to take some time, you know, before thinking about the next days, you know, and the days that what I have to do or what I'm gonna do, you know. But obviously, before the ATP Finals begun, we have time.

Is Carlos Alcaraz’s No.1 finish at the end of the year still possible?

Having made a mess of a wonderful opportunity at the last masters’ tournament of the year, things at the Paris Masters are now not in the court of the Spaniard. He can now just sit back and pray that Novak doesn’t end up moving into the finals. 

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Carlos Alcaraz (Image via ATP Tour)

Novak begins his singles campaign on Wednesday against Tomas Etcheverry, and if he manages to make it out of the tournament as a runner-up at least, he will yet again announce himself as the No. 1 player of 2023.

With that being said, Alcaraz has very little to do now and might end up participating at the ATP 250 events in Metz and Sofia as a wildcard entry. Novak now stands at 11,045 points, with Alcaraz at 8,625 points, and a win at any of the 250 tournaments will guarantee him crucial 250 points. 

If Novak fails to make it to the final, he will lose all the points he received last year, and all will be set to be decided at the ATP Finals.

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