Carlos Alcaraz has been in sensational form in recent years. The four-time Grand Slam champion recently experienced an unexpected result after failing to defeat a formidable opponent in Paris. The World No.2 admitted he “was not up to the level” of 18th-ranked Ugo Humbert of France who swept to a shock Paris Masters third round. Carlos Alcaraz is generally the dominant player on the court.
But this time he was on the receiving end, facing France’s Humbert. His spirits remain strong as he prepares for an important event in Turin. The remarkable performance against the Spaniard, Ugo eventually won 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. Alcaraz had a difficult evening, falling behind 0-5 in the first set before breaking through. The 21-year-old has had a difficult second half of the season. Following his sad Paris Olympics final loss to Novak Djokovic.
Carlos Alcaraz was knocked out of the US Open in the second round by 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp, then upset top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the Beijing final before losing in the quarterfinals to Tomas Machac, the world number 33, in the Shanghai Masters. The Spaniard expressed his surprise at the crowd’s reaction. He is currently focusing on the ATP finals. This is a competition he would want to finish on a high note.
Carlos Alcaraz’s loss is a sign of trouble ahead
Is Alcaraz feeling the weight of expectations? Carlos Alcaraz said, “It was a very intense match. I started with some doubts about my game. Against a player who attacks whenever he can, who hits very aggressively at the slightest opportunity, it wasn’t easy to get into the match. I was not up to the level he displayed. Ugo’s performance was high. The way he hits the ball is incredible. It was a crazy match, a crazy atmosphere.”
Humbert will then face Jordan Thompson of Australia for a spot in the Paris Masters semifinals. Thompson, ranked 28, reached the quarterfinals of a Masters for the first time, defeating Adrian Mannarino of France 7-5, 7-6 (7/5). The match will be one to watch out for with both the new talents have come through to the knockout rounds.
