Carlos Alcaraz says he needs to improve "many things” after suffering a surprise semi-final loss in Buenos Aires last week to Nicolas Jarry. The two-time Grand Slam champion has endured a disappointing start to the season, having also slumped to a four-set defeat by Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open quarter-finals."There are many things to improve compared to Buenos Aires,” Alcaraz told a press conference ahead of his opening match in Rio de Janeiro yesterday against Thiago Monteiro."I hit the ball very well, I think I’m in good shape, but I have to learn to play better in certain situations, better than I did in Buenos Aires. "For example, on break points, in certain moments when I’m on edge, I have to do better than I did. That’s the most important thing I have to improve if I want to get a good result in Rio.”The world number two has not won an ATP title since his stunning Wimbledon triumph over Novak Djokovic last year.The 20-year-old lifted the Rio Open trophy in 2022 before losing to Cameron Norrie in the final 12 months ago."This year, I know what I want to do, I’m working hard,” said Alcaraz."It’s going to be an exciting year, with the Olympics coming up. But in the middle and at the end of the season, I have to stay focused to maintain the same intensity and the same level.”
February 20, 2024 | 11:48 PM