English Woman's Journal - Alcaraz admits far from best in Buenos Aires exit

Weather - London 9°C

Alcaraz admits far from best in Buenos Aires exit

SPORTS 18.02.2024

Alcaraz admits far from best in Buenos Aires exit / Photo: ALEJANDRO PAGNI - AFP

Carlos Alcaraz admitted to being "far from my true level" in a defeat to Nicolas Jarry at the semi-finals of the ATP Buenos Aires tournament on Saturday.

Change text size:

The defending champion's surprise straight-sets loss to the Chilean came in the Spaniard's first tournament since he lost in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz had been hoping to reach his first final since falling to Novak Djokovic at the Cincinnati Masters in August, and to clinch a first title since Wimbledon last July.

"It's a difficult defeat for me," Alcaraz said after the 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 loss.

"It really hurts. There are lots of things to improve. I played good tennis but I am far from my true level."

Alcaraz broke Jarry's service in the second set on the clay in Buenos Aires but immediately lost that advantage and found there was no way back after Jarry claimed the decisive break in the eighth game.

"It was a complicated tournament, the first on clay for a long time," Alcaraz said. "I didn't take the opportunities I had, I didn't play the tie-break well and it shows."

Jarry, the world number 21, will face Argentine wildcard Facundo Diaz Acosta, ranked 87, in Sunday's final.

N.Macleod--EWJ

Featured

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: