"Seeing my last month, I need these" - Carlos Alcaraz renewed in confidence after dominant Davis Cup performance post-US Open nightmare
Carlos Alcaraz has remained unassailable at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals and secured his second singles win at the tournament against Ugo Humbert of France. The Spaniard was pleased with his performance, calling it one of his best this year.
Alcaraz came to the Davis Cup Finals after a surprise second round exit at the 2024 US Open. Looking for some form and wins, Alcaraz began his campaign in Malaga against Tomas Machac of Czechia on September 11. The two split the first two sets before Machac retired due to injury before the third set.
Alcaraz faced Ugo Humbert in his second singles match at the tournament on September 13 and dominated the Frenchman in straight sets to emerge victorious 6-3, 6-3. The Spaniard was overjoyed with the result and content with his performance.
In his post-match on-court interview, Alcaraz went as far as to say that this was one of his best matches of 2024. The win meant more for the World No. 3, considering his nightmare campaign during the North American hard-court swing. Alcaraz suffered unceremonious defeats against Gael Monfils and Botic van de Zandschulp in the second rounds of the Cincinnati Open and US Open respectively.
"The level that I played from the beginning to the last ball, I was really focused, really intense. It was probably one of the best matches I have played this year and after my last month I need these kind of matches. I’m really really happy with my performance today," the Spaniard said on court.
Carlos Alcaraz's win against Ugo Humbert sends Spain into Davis Cup 2024 QF
Carlos Alcaraz has been one of the star performers for Spain at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals and has led the team into the tournament's quarterfinals. Spain was drawn in Group B alongside Australia, Czechia, and France.
Spain defeated Czechia 3-0, with Roberto Bautista Agut and Alcaraz beating Jiri Lehecka and Tomas Machac in singles matches respectively. Alcaraz teamed up with Marcel Granollers for doubles, and they bettered Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek for a clean sweep.
In the second group stage tie, Spain faced France. Bautista Agut again provided the hosts with a perfect start with a win over Arthur Fils, and Alcaraz built upon that result to better Ugo Humbert. With Alcaraz's win, Spain, the six-time Davis Cup champion, is guaranteed a spot in the tournament's knockout stages.
Carlos Alcaraz has always been eager to represent his nation on the international stage and brought accolades in that role. He most recently won the silver medal in men's singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics and also competed in men's doubles alongside Rafael Nadal.