Carlos Alcaraz admits he played at poor level after loss against David Goffin

Second seed Carlos Alcaraz admitted he didn’t take his opportunities and played at a poor level after opening round loss against David Goffin at the Miami Open on Saturday. 

The Spaniard suffered a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 defeat against Goffin. After winning the opening set, Alcaraz could not convert any of his break-point chances.

The youngster also gave credit to Goffin for lifting his level and making the most of his opportunities.

“Simply, the guy played great tennis,” World No. 3 Alcaraz said in his press conference. “I didn’t make the most of the chances he gave me and in the end, tennis is based on taking opportunities. If you don’t make the most of them, you allow your opponent to relax and play with confidence. I think that’s what happened today.

“After the 7-5 [first set], I didn’t have any break points in the match. That gives you an idea of how little pressure I put on his serve. In the end, when you let your opponent play good tennis, and you don’t put them under any pressure, it’s very unlikely you’ll win.”

The Spaniard was broken on four occasions on his serve during the whole match as he could not bring his A-game to the court.

“It’s true that I didn’t play well and my level was poor, but you have to give some credit to David,” Alcaraz added. “I think he has a game that’s hard to play, even though it may not look like it. It’s hard to face. Tonight he was very solid from start to finish. I thought his level would drop a little, but because I didn’t put him under pressure, I think he stayed confident throughout and it didn’t drop.”

Alcaraz admitted he felt dreadful after losing early in the Miami Open as he wanted to go deep into the tournament.

“How am I feeling? Dreadful. Dreadful because of this defeat and because this is a tournament I always want to do well at, and losing my first match hurts,” added Alcaraz, who had not fallen at the first hurdle at this event since his first appearance in 2021.

Goffin will next face Brandon Nakashima in the next round on Sunday.