Carlos Alcaraz recently shared an unexpected reflection on his 2024 season, offering a glimpse into the challenges he faced, particularly during the clay-court swing. The 21-year-old Spanish sensation admitted that it was a year filled with difficulties, especially dealing with the physical setbacks that were more than he’s used to.
Alcaraz revealed that the clay-court season was particularly tough for him, as he struggled with a series of injuries. “I’m not used to dealing with so many injuries, and this year was a complicated time for me when I faced the clay season,” he confessed. One of the most significant hurdles came early in the year, when an ankle injury forced him to retire from the Rio Open in February, a tournament that was part of the ATP 500 series.
Despite the rough start, Alcaraz quickly rebounded, finding his rhythm with a stellar performance at Indian Wells, where he claimed the title, followed by a strong run to the Miami Open quarter-finals in March. However, just as he seemed to be regaining momentum, a right arm injury kept him sidelined for a chunk of his European clay-court schedule. He missed three major events—Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome—before the French Open.
Even with these setbacks, Alcaraz still managed to have a remarkable year. He went on to secure his first French Open title in June, and just a month later, he successfully defended his Wimbledon crown. Adding to his stellar accomplishments, Alcaraz clinched a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in August. By the end of the season, the four-time Grand Slam champion finished 2024 ranked world No. 3, collecting four titles, including his last triumph of the year at the China Open in October.
Reflecting on the rollercoaster season during a press conference before an exhibition match in Charlotte, Alcaraz spoke candidly about the mental and physical toll of his injuries. “But at the same time, I look back and I think I did have a pretty good season. I’m really proud of what I did to overcome the problems that I had and the doubts that I had,” he said. His positive outlook on the season was clear, as he expressed satisfaction with his progress. “In general, I’m just happy with everything that I’ve learned this season and hopefully in 2025 I can try to copy or do even better.”
Alcaraz’s comments about his “complicated” season didn’t go unnoticed by some of his American peers. Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, responded with a lighthearted remark, seemingly puzzled by Alcaraz’s take on his year. “Really? Tell us about it,” she said with a laugh.
Frances Tiafoe, who was also part of the exhibition in Charlotte, joined in the banter, joking, “Tough winning two majors. I hope you don’t have a season like that again.”
Alcaraz’s 2024 season was undoubtedly a mix of triumphs and trials, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the injuries, his accomplishments speak volumes, and his optimistic outlook for 2025 only adds to the excitement surrounding his future in tennis.