World no. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will chase his first Cincinnati crown. The 22-year-old hit the practice court in Ohio with his trademark energy and perspective, leaving the recent setback behind and chasing new titles.
The five-time Major champion reflected on a key moment from earlier this summer - his first loss in a Major final at Wimbledon to Jannik Sinner. After winning the first five Major finals, Carlos ended on the losing side for the first time.
Jannik lost the opener but earned a well-deserved 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory, avenging the Roland Garros heartbreak. Despite the defeat, the Spaniard found reasons to leave the court with pride and joy.
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Alcaraz entered the final with a 5-0 score in the title match, a remarkable feat for any player. However, he acknowledged the fact he had to lose a Major final at some point, like every other player.
As he walked off Centre Court without his third consecutive Wimbledon trophy, the 22-year-old felt pride instead of frustration. The Spaniard recognized the need for improvement but described his defeat as part of a natural progression.
The setback has not dampened Alcaraz's drive. Instead, with a grounded mind and a growing hunger to evolve and become one of the ultimate tennis champions, he is focused on what lies ahead.
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His next goal? Cincinnati and US Open titles and the ATP throne taken away from Jannik Sinner! The hard-court season unfolds, and Carlos brings with him the lessons from the All England Club.
They are not a burden but fuel for the journey forward. After performing a miraculous escape in Paris, the Spaniard could not provide similar performance in London.
He claimed the opener before Sinner bounced back and claimed the next three sets with a single break in each, outplaying his greatest rival and providing his first loss in Major finals.
"I want to win every final I play, especially at Majors. I lost to Jannik at Wimbledon, but left the court happy and proud. I smiled and thought that I had to lose a Major final at some point, like everyone else.
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I have to make many improvements from thetitle match in London, but I felt good right after the match. I had to be grateful for everything I have achieved, and reaching the Wimbledon final is always great.
I lost it, but I still felt proud and happy with everything I did," Carlos Alcaraz said.
