Carlos Alcaraz, the former world number one tennis star, has opened up about the mental struggles that led to his unexpected defeat at the Indian Wells Masters, admitting that an overwhelming fixation on his opponent’s abilities derailed his performance. The 21-year-old Spaniard fell to Britain’s Jack Draper in the semifinals last week, a loss that ended his bid for a third consecutive title at the prestigious tournament. In a candid reflection, Alcaraz revealed how his anxiety about Draper’s game overshadowed his own preparation, marking a rare stumble for a player known for his composure and brilliance on the court.

“I always tell myself to focus on me, on my own game,” Alcaraz shared. “But that day, I was more worried about my opponent’s level, about Draper’s style, than I was about myself.” This shift in mindset, he confessed, began the moment he woke up and persisted through his final practice session, leaving him unable to shake the nerves. Despite turning to his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, for last-minute advice before stepping onto the court, Alcaraz couldn’t regain his footing. “When you’re thinking more about your opponent than yourself, that’s a huge problem,” he said. “That’s what happened to me. I was consumed by thoughts of how Draper plays.”

The match itself was a stark departure from Alcaraz’s usual dominance. Facing Draper—who went on to claim the title—Alcaraz crumbled in the opening set, losing 1-6 in just 23 minutes. His serve faltered with a dismal 38% first-serve percentage, and he racked up 13 unforced errors while dropping serve twice. “That was probably the worst set I’ve ever played in my career,” the current world number three admitted. The full encounter lasted one hour and 44 minutes, but for Alcaraz, it was a painful unraveling of his confidence. “It really hurt to see my shots that day,” he added. “It’s a tough loss to swallow.”

Beyond the missed opportunity to secure a historic three-peat at Indian Wells, what stung Alcaraz most was his inability to manage the pressure. “Sure, I wanted to win here for the third time in a row, but I know I can’t win every match,” he explained. “What frustrates me more than losing the chance at three titles is that I couldn’t overcome the mental strain. My emotions all day, the way I approached the match—it was awful. I couldn’t find any calm within myself.” This rare vulnerability from a player who claimed the top ranking in September 2022 and boasts four Grand Slam titles underscores the mental toll elite competition can exact.

Despite the setback, Alcaraz is determined to bounce back. He’s already set his sights on the Miami Open, running from March 18-30, drawing inspiration from a past pattern. “The last time I lost in the semifinals at Indian Wells, I went on to win Miami in 2022,” he noted with resolve. “I’ll find myself again in Miami and repeat that.” The loss to Draper, while bruising, has become a lesson in focus for the young star. “The takeaway is to step onto the court with a clearer mind and just play my game,” he said, signaling a commitment to shedding the overthinking that plagued him in the desert.

Alcaraz’s defeat at Indian Wells may have halted his title streak, but it’s also humanized a player often seen as unstoppable. His willingness to dissect the loss publicly reflects a maturity beyond his years, offering fans a glimpse into the psyche of a champion grappling with self-doubt. As he prepares for Miami, the tennis world watches eagerly to see if he can reclaim his rhythm and turn a moment of weakness into a springboard for triumph. For Alcaraz, this chapter isn’t the end—it’s fuel for his next fight.