Carlos Alcaraz ‘very eager and motivated’ to lead Spain in Davis Cup after early US Open exit

Young sensation Carlos Alcaraz is eyeing for a strong comeback in the Davis Cup after an early exit from the recently concluded US Open 2024. Alcaraz was one of the favourites to win the final Grand Slam event of the year, but his campaign was cut short by Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.

As tennis fans eagerly await what's next for Alcaraz, the 21-year-old has confirmed that he is fit and ready to lead Spain in the upcoming premier international team event. The group stage of the Davis Cup Finals kicked off on Tuesday, with Germany defeating Slovakia 3-0.

Spain hosts Group B in Valencia and they have some tough opponents in the form of Australia, the Czech Republic and France. Despite failing to shine at the US Open, the hosts can count on home hero Alcaraz, who has had a tremendous season so far in 2024.

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You have to be prepared to accept things: Alcaraz on his US Open defeat 

The Spaniard won two Grand Slam titles this year - the French Open and Wimbledon - as well as an Olympic silver medal in August. Speaking to the media on Monday, Alcaraz admitted he hasn't been able to play “at the level that [he] would have liked,” in New York when asked about his fitness.

“It is very difficult to perform at the level that you want every day, and you have to be prepared to accept things as they come,” he added.

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Alcaraz said that he lacked preparation after a busy summer and didn't get proper rest and training time. However, the young lad insisted that now he feels “good and motivated to play the Davis Cup at home.”

“Mentally I am very eager and motivated to continue improving, and physically I have done a good job since I lost in New York to be at an optimal level to face the Davis Cup and what is coming,” he continued.

The four-time Grand Slam winner revealed that he calmed his mind by training and getting physically fit after his disappointing loss to van de Zandschulp in the hard-court tournament.