Beaten Alcaraz not distracted by ‘expectations on me’

MONTE CARLO, Monaco — Carlos Alcaraz insists that his shock exit at the Monte Carlo Masters was not a consequence of his sudden rise to fame which has seen him earmarked as a future Grand Slam champion and World No.1.

The 18-year-old Spaniard, seeded eight, was stunned 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 by American Sebastian Korda in their second round clash on Wednesday. Alcaraz had arrived on the back of winning the prestigious Miami Masters title. However, the World No. 11 was outgunned by Korda in a thrilling clay court battle lasting just over three hours.

“I’m a bit disappointed with myself. I had a lot of chances to be up in the match and close to winning, but these losses are sometimes good to live. You have to play matches,” Alcaraz said. 

“But I didn’t think about the expectations that the people have for me. I just focused on me and what I have to do. But as I said, you have to play more matches on clay courts.” Alcaraz is the second big name to exit the tournament following World No.1 Novak Djokovic who also lost his opener on Tuesday.

Alcaraz committed 36 unforced errors in Wednesday’s defeat. “It’s not easy to get your bearings on clay,” he added. “It was a difficult match, but I feel mentally ready to play these types of matches, long and tight. I am ready to return to training and focus on the next tournaments.”