A retired Spanish tennis star voiced concerns for Carlos Alcaraz following his latest defeat.
Carlos Alcaraz has been defended following his recent defeat in Indian Wells. The world No. 3 was looking to win his third successive title in the Californian desert last week, but Jack Draper beat him in a rollercoaster semi-final, handing Alcaraz his first loss there since 2022.
Ahead of the Miami Open, retired Spanish tennis star Alex Corretja has claimed that Alcaraz is “treated brutally” whenever he loses and suggested that it was “exhausting” for the 21-year-old to deal with his status as a top player.
Alcaraz suffered heartbreak in Indian Wells last week as his 16-match winning streak at the tournament finally came to an end. Draper survived a huge lapse in the second set to beat the two-time defending champion 6-1 0-6 6-4. The Brit went on to lift the trophy in the final.
The defeat hit Alcaraz harder than usual. “This one hurts. I don't want to lose any match, but I think this one was even more special to me. It was difficult today, a lot of nerves in the match,” he said afterwards.
The Spaniard is now hoping to bounce back at the Miami Open, where he is a former champion. And ahead of his first match, Corretja called out the “brutal” treatment the world No. 3 received.
“Alcaraz is treated brutally every time he loses a match,” the former world No. 2 told Eurosport.
“His rise has been really rapid, and he is only 21 years old. He still has to learn several things. Carlos has already become an international star and this puts a significant weight on his shoulders.
“It is true that he earns a lot of money and that he is very lucky, but there is a price to pay for this enormous popularity. A lot of people don't understand how exhausting it is for a young man like him.”
Alcaraz is known for his joyful attitude in matches and often has a smile on his face even in difficult moments. But Corretja believes Alcaraz must learn that he can’t always have a “good time”.
He added: “I believe that Alcaraz cannot lose his DNA, he cannot lose his personality, but he will have to understand that life will not always be joy.
