Home » Alcaraz says chasing Sinner ‘killed’ him, has low clay expectations

Alcaraz says chasing Sinner ‘killed’ him, has low clay expectations

Carlos Alcaraz says chasing Jannik Sinner in the rankings “killed” him, prompting him to set low expectations in this year’s claycourt season.

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ALCARAZ SAYS CHASING SINNER ‘KILLED’ HIM IN RACE TO WORLD NO.1 RANKING

Alcaraz says chasing Sinner “killed” him in his desire to snatch the world No.1 ranking in men’s tennis.

Furthermore, the 21-year-old Spanish world No.3 admitted feeling pressure from fans.

Moreover, Sinner’s three-month ban amid a doping case served as an opportunity.

No.2 Alexander Zverev of Germany and Alcaraz were posied to take the reins but fell way short.

“A lot of people are asking me, or are telling me, that I have the chance to become No. 1 if Jannik isn’t playing,” the Spaniuard said.

“So probably that pressure has killed me in some ways,” he added.

SPANIARD TO KEEP LOW EXPECTATIONS ON CLAY SEASON, TO FOCUS ON MONTE CARLO

The Spaniard vowed to keep low expectations on this year’s clay season, heading into the Monte Carlo Open.

Moreover, Alcaraz won in Rotterdam two months ago.

Furthermore, he lost in the quarterfinals in Doha, fand ell short in the semifinals at Indian Wells.

Additionally, he lost in the opening round in Miam last week.

“I’m just thinking that I’m not able to become No. 1 in the clay season, even if Jannik is not playing,” Alcaraz said.

“So I’m just here and I realise that I don’t have to think about it and just go there and play,” he added.

DJOKOVIC SHARES ALCARAZ’S MINDSET ON CLAY SEASON

Another player who shares Alcaraz’s mindset for this claycourt season is Novak Djokovic.

Furthermore, the 38-year-old Serbian world No5 fell short at the Miami Open finals ,

Moreover, Djokovic is not putting pressure himself.

He is seeking a record 100th ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) title in clay.

“I’m glad in Miami I found that joy on the court and performance levels, so let’s see if I can carry that into clay,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner said.

“It’s a different surface and I’ve not had much time to get used to this tournament so my expectations aren’t that high,” he added.