Alcaraz hopes to learn from mistakes ahead of Paul quarter-final
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 1, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during his fourth round match against Ben Shelton of the U.S. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
PARIS - Carlos Alcaraz eliminated "dumb mistakes" from his game to see off Ben Shelton on Sunday and hoped to learn from his experience to avoid another tough workout when he plays American Tommy Paul in the French Open quarter-finals.
The defending champion was put through the wringer in his third-round match by Damir Dzumhur and was unable to show his usual aggressive side against Shelton, who dragged him into battle before losing 7-6(8) 6-3 4-6 6-4.
"I was really focused and trying to show my good tennis, playing aggressively, hitting great shots," Alcaraz said.
"In the beginning it was difficult for me to play at that level. I just tried to play more solid than aggressive. Probably I made dumb mistakes that I had to go for it all the time. I found the right way in the match.
"I tried to keep it in that direction, but tennis is like that. One round you're playing against one opponent and the next round you're playing a totally different game so you have to get used to the game from the opponent."
While Shelton may not be the most natural player on clay, Paul represents a different kettle of fish and Alcaraz said he was aware of what could be in store for him when they meet in the last eight.
"I remember that every match I've played against him he was really tough. In Grand Slams, in Masters 1000s, all tournaments I've played against him it wasn't easy at all," Alcaraz said.
"I lost a few matches against him as well. He's in the quarter-finals of another Grand Slam, so his level is really high right now. He has a lot of confidence, I'm pretty sure. It's going to be an interesting match.
"I'll try to keep going, trying to be better. I'll try to learn from the mistakes I made today. I'm not going to make the same against Tommy, but I think for the people it's going to be a really interesting match to watch." REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Kyrgios withdraws from Wimbledon due to injury setback
FILE PHOTO: Mar 19, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Nick Kyrgios (AUS) reacts towards his player's box after losing a point against Mackenzie McDonald (USA)(not pictured) on day two of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images/File Photo REUTERS Nick Kyrgios will miss Wimbledon and the entire grasscourt season due to a minor setback in his recovery from injury, the Australian said on Tuesday. The 30-year-old has struggled with a litany of foot, knee and wrist injuries since his runner-up finish at Wimbledon in 2022 and has played only four singles matches this year. He recorded his first singles win since 2022 at the Miami Open in March but pulled out of the French Open with a knee issue. "I've hit a small setback in my recovery and unfortunately won't make it back for grass season this year," Kyrgios posted on social media. "I know how much you've all been looking forward to seeing me out there, and I'm genuinely sorry to disappoint. This is just a bump in the road though, and I'm already working hard to get back stronger than ever." Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year, starts on June 30. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Qatar fighting to keep World Cup dreams alive, says Lopetegui
Qatar are within "touching distance" of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will go all out against Iran and Uzbekistan over the next week to keep their dream alive, says new coach Julen Lopetegui. Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup but have never reached the tournament via the qualification route, cannot finish in the top two in Group A to earn an automatic berth in 2027 but can still secure a spot in the playoffs for teams finishing third and fourth. The Gulf side are currently fourth on 10 points, four ahead of Kyrgyzstan. Former Spain and Real Madrid coach Lopetegui takes charge of Qatar for the first time when they face group leaders Iran in Doha on Thursday before they close out the third round by visiting second-placed Uzbekistan on June 10. "Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the qualifiers before, and it's a dream we're determined to fight for," Lopetegui told FIFA's website in an interview published on Tuesday. "It's within touching distance. We've got two games left to play, both of which will be incredibly difficult, and in quick succession. "However, despite all the difficulties, we're determined to give it our best shot to earn ourselves another chance of qualifying in October." Qatar have enjoyed considerable continental success in recent years, winning back-to-back Asian Cup titles, but Lopetegui said they are in a transitional phase and still finding their feet. "There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this generation has achieved some very impressive things in the Asian Cup," added the Spaniard, who was appointed coach in May. "However, generations come to an end, and now we need to turn our attention to starting the process again, which will be no mean feat. While we do that, we'll be doing our best to compete, which is the most important thing in the short term." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
All grown up: Mirra Andreeva ‘mentally and physically' stronger at French Open
PARIS – Mirra Andreeva believes she has finally grown up as a player, as the Russian teenager got the better of regular practice partner Daria Kasatkina on June 2 to reach the French Open quarter-finals for a second consecutive year. The 18-year-old, seeded sixth at Roland Garros, earned a 6-3, 7-5 win against Russian-born Kasatkina, the world No. 17 who now competes for Australia. She will next take on 361st-ranked Frenchwoman Lois Boisson who shocked third seed Jessica Pegula. 'I think I am much stronger than I was two years ago,' Andreeva said. 'I think that for me, the most important two points that changed is I improved physically and also mentally. I'm much more positive right now on the court, and I think that also is one of the keys for me. 'And yeah, I'm always trying to now fight for every point no matter what happens.' She reached the semi-finals last year with a shock quarter-final win over Aryna Sabalenka, and she is hoping for another strong performance with both Sabalenka and reigning champion Iga Swiatek in the other half of the draw. 'I was prepared for the battle, last time we played each other I lost in three sets and it was a pretty dramatic match,' said Andreeva, who suffered a tearful loss to Kasatkina in the Ningbo final last year in China. 'I don't know what changed, but today... It gives me confidence. I'm happy I closed the match in two sets.' Kasatkina believes world No. 6 Andreeva, who already has three WTA titles to her name, is hitting her stride. 'Honestly, I feel like she's taller and taller every single week,' said the 28-year-old. 'I see a lot with the serve that she's improving because of practising a lot, so I see that her serve improving every time. Mentally she became stronger as well, but this is something I see every time we are hitting the practice court.' For herself, she is feeling the love like never before after her the bold decision to switch nationalities. After a spell as a neutral athlete, with Russians and Belarusians banned from competing on tour under their own flags over Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Kasatkina's application for permanent residency was accepted by Australia earlier in 2025. The 28-year-old, who has not returned to Russia after coming out as gay and speaking out against the war, has found plenty of new fans at events, and said following her loss to Andreeva that it was a new experience. 'Honestly, it's been a good result, first of all, but also I felt super good, to step on the court as an Australian player,' Kasatkina said. 'To feel the support from the stands... On social media, I'm getting a lot of support from the Australians. They're so happy to welcome me and are happy for me. This support which I honestly didn't have before. 'It feels like it's something new to me, but it feels so nice. There could be better results. Always could be better, but I think it's a good start.' AFP, REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
