What Did Alcaraz Dislike Most About His Loss to Draper at Indian Wells?

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz, still reeling from his semifinal defeat to Jack Draper, admitted that he won’t truly recover until he captures his next title. The talented 21-year-old watched his hopes for a three-peat at Indian Wells evaporate on Saturday in a hard-fought match, ending in a score of 6-1, 0-6, 6-4. He revealed to the media his biggest regret was related to his match preparation.

One crucial element contributing to his loss against the newly crowned 2025 BNP Paribas Open champion was an uncharacteristic case of nerves, alongside a wavering confidence in his own capabilities.

“I always emphasize the need to concentrate on my own game, but today I found myself overly focused on his performance rather than my own,” Alcaraz expressed post-match, reflecting on his state of mind prior to taking the court.

“That shift in focus—fixating on his weaknesses instead of my strengths—was a significant hurdle for me. When you prioritize the opponent over your own game, it can lead to complications.”

Draper Poised for Major Success

Alcaraz also took a moment to commend Draper’s performance, shedding light on the difficulties he faced when attempting to devise an effective counter-strategy on that intense day.

“In January, when I faced him in Australia, he had to withdraw. I told him, ‘You will achieve the ranking you deserve,’” Alcaraz remarked, adding, “He absolutely deserves a Top 10 spot. He belongs in Masters 1000 finals, and I’m thrilled for him.”

“I had no doubts about his abilities. He’s equipped to stay at that level longer and compete in high-stakes tournaments. I’m not surprised by what unfolded today. It was a tough match for him, but he handled the pressure better than I did.”

Although Alcaraz and Draper share a strong camaraderie on tour, their friendship faced a hiccup when Draper had to cancel a planned practice session at Alcaraz’s training facility due to injury.

The Spanish star expressed that while he wasn’t overly concerned about missing out on becoming the third player in history to achieve an Indian Wells three-peat, he was more troubled by his inability to manage his nerves and perform to the best of his abilities in crucial moments.

“I’m not particularly upset about failing to secure a third consecutive title,” he acknowledged. “What truly bothers me is how I approached the match and the anxiety I carried throughout the day without finding a way to calm myself.”

“That’s the most disheartening part for me right now because the first set was arguably one of the worst I’ve played in my career.”

“I Will Seize the Opportunity in Miami”

This defeat—and the introspection that followed—might just be the catalyst needed for Alcaraz to rise to new heights in Miami. That’s the beauty of tennis: the chance for redemption comes swiftly.

“This experience highlights how nervous I was both before and during the match, which I find disappointing. However, I see myself as someone who learns from losses. The last time I lost here was in the semifinals, and I went on to claim victory in Miami. I’m determined to leverage this match to my advantage in Miami.”