“Sometimes I didn’t feel motivated at all” – Alcaraz opens up about periods of low motivation

The Spaniard reveals that, at times, he would rather be at home with his family and friends but is unable to because there is another tournament to play

Carlos Alcaraz, Laver Cup 2024

Haresh Ramchandani

September 22, 2024

Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about the difficulties to feel motivated all the time during the tennis calendar.

The Spaniard, who has said that he felt that the tennis schedule was too long and gruelling, is only 21 years old and in the early stages of his career but admitted that there were times when he did not feel like travelling to tournaments and wished to spend time at home with his family and friends.

“Honestly it is difficult. Sometimes I didn’t feel motivated at all. It is a difficult moment. As I said many times, the calendar is so tight, a lot of tournaments, no days off or not as much days off as I want,” Alcaraz told the media at the Laver Cup. “Sometimes I really want to take some days for myself that I can’t because I have to practice, I have to travel. Sometimes you don’t want to go to tournaments, I’m not going to lie. I have been feeling this feeling few times already that I don’t want to go to that tournament because I want to stay at home with my family or my friends, and I have to find the motivation just to go and put the right tennis or the right face in the practice and on the matches.”

Tennis Majors

My best tennis shows up when I’m smiling and enjoying on court, and sometimes it is difficult to find that rhythm or that good feeling.
Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz admitted that he plays his best tennis when he is happy and enjoying on the court and that he struggles at times when that feeling is not intrinsic.

“I always want to win every match that I play, but as I said many, many times, my best tennis shows up when I’m smiling and enjoying on court, and sometimes it is difficult to find that rhythm or that good feeling. So, I want to be focused on my team and my family and try to play my best in every practice, in every match, to be in the top of the rankings. I think it is the best options to keep motivated.”