Alcaraz: "This is not the way I'd like to win".

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 12/09/2024 à 08h55

1 min to read

Carlos Alcaraz made his return to competition on Wednesday.

Present in Valencia to represent Spain in the group phase of the Davis Cup, the world number 3 was not exactly convincing.

Faced with an enterprising Tomas Machac, he looked very tense, even conceding the first set (7-6).

Not giving up, he continued to put pressure on the Czech's shoulders.

Regaining control of the match, he won the second set with ease, before Machac was forced to retire injured (6-7, 6-1, ab.).

Questioned at the press conference, the El Palmar native preferred to remain positive: "I knew Machac was playing at a very good level, he had just done very well in New York, and he's a very dangerous player.

I started the singles a little nervous, playing at home in Valencia in the Davis Cup.

Obviously, on the North American tour, I didn't have a good feeling during the matches and that's why I was nervous.

I had chances, but I didn't take them.

If I stayed mentally strong, I knew I'd get more, so I tried to stay positive until they came.

After a very difficult first set, I managed not to let myself down in the second and to put him in trouble so that he felt the pressure a little.

It's not the way I'd like to win matches, but this time, that's what happened."