Carlos Alcaraz’s season took an unexpected turn as the former World No. 1 fell to France’s Ugo Humbert in a nail-biting three-set match at the Rolex Paris Masters. Alcaraz, 21, fought hard but ultimately succumbed 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 in the last 16, continuing a trend of underwhelming performances at the Paris Masters, where he has yet to advance past the quarterfinals.
Alcaraz’s defeat highlighted his struggles on the tournament’s particularly fast surface, which he described as the fastest in over a decade. Known for his powerful yet strategic play, the Spanish sensation faced challenges on the slick indoor courts, which he claimed prevented him from fully utilizing his varied game and effective serving.
A Physically and Mentally Exhausting Season
Alcaraz, who came into Paris with hopes of securing his second Masters 1000 title of 2024, showed signs of wear as the match progressed. The young star, who has endured a physically demanding season, displayed uncharacteristic fatigue and frustration during the deciding set, even smashing his racket in a rare outburst. With this loss, he has turned his focus toward the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where he hopes to end the season on a high note.
The defeat also resulted in a shake-up in the ATP rankings. Germany’s Alexander Zverev, benefiting from Paris’s fast conditions, has overtaken Alcaraz in the standings and will be the second seed at the ATP Finals, possibly setting up an early clash between Alcaraz and Italian rival Jannik Sinner.
Reflecting on Alcaraz’s Season of Milestones
Despite the setback, 2024 has been a landmark year for Alcaraz. He became the youngest player ever to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season, adding to his victories at the Indian Wells Masters and achieving career-best rankings. Alcaraz also reached the Olympic final but suffered a hard-fought loss to Novak Djokovic, which required time to recover mentally and physically.
Renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou praised Alcaraz’s achievements, calling his back-to-back wins at Roland Garros and Wimbledon “one of the most difficult feats in tennis.” Mouratoglou also noted Alcaraz’s emotional intensity and propensity to cramp under pressure, something rare among tennis legends like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. “We don’t need to worry about Alcaraz,” he said. “What he has achieved at 21 is amazing.”
Zverev Capitalizes on Paris Conditions
For Zverev, Paris’s fast courts have been an advantage, allowing him to advance and potentially secure a coveted spot in the ATP Finals. Zverev and Alcaraz shared a moment in Paris’s player lounge, where they discussed the intense atmosphere and unique conditions of the indoor event. “The crowd here is very energetic and loud, different from Roland Garros,” Zverev told Tennis TV, adding that he thrives on the Parisian energy.
As Alcaraz gears up for Turin, his path may cross with some of his biggest rivals, including Sinner and Djokovic, who could play decisive roles in the season’s closing tournament. Despite his recent loss, Alcaraz’s remarkable season has solidified his place among tennis’s elite, with fans eagerly anticipating his continued journey to the top.
Sources for this article include:
Reports from the Rolex Paris Masters, interviews with Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, and analysis from tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
