Tennis legend Justine Henin believes Carlos Alcaraz’s popularity as a player puts “enormous pressure on his shoulders” and also expressed concern about the “excitement” around Joao Fonseca.
Alcaraz delivered an erratic display in a shock 7-5, 4-6, 3-6 defeat to David Goffin in his opening match at the Miami Open.
It was a second straight defeat for Alcaraz after he struggled in a 1-6, 6-0, 4-6 loss to Jack Draper in the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters.
The world No 3 candidly spoke about his nervousness on the day of the match and the fact he was “worried” about facing Draper.
“I didn’t approach the match in the best way that I could,” the 21-year-old Spaniard explained in his press conference.
“So I was nervous during the whole day, in the practice before the match, and I think that affect, you know, to the match. So that’s why I had the conversation with Juan Carlos [Ferrero] on the bike.
“I always say that I have to be focused on myself, on my own game. I think today I was more worried about his level, his game, than myself.
“So I think that’s was a big problem to me, that I was always thinking about his weakness than my best things. So when you’re thinking more about the opponent than yourself, then it is a big problem.
Former world No 1 reveals why she is ‘scared’ for Joao Fonseca in Carlos Alcaraz comparison
Alcaraz’s holds a 15-4 record in 2025, having won his only title of the season to date at the Rotterdam Open in February.
The four-time Grand Slam champion is next set to compete at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he will begin his clay-court campaign.
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