Carlos Alcaraz admits what went wrong in his shocking defeat to Zizou Bergs at the Shanghai Masters

After suffering the upset loss, Alcaraz faced the media to pinpoint exactly what went wrong in the match.

Carlos Alcaraz reacts to shocking upset defeat in Shanghai

“Today it wasn’t a good match for my side,” said Alcaraz in his post-match press conference. “I didn’t play good. I would say it was a really bad level for me, and it was a really good level from him. I would say, even like that, I think it was a close match. I would say, in few important moments I didn’t play my best. I could say there were a few moments that he was lucky as well, that’s what I think.

“You know, some returns, some shots he hit it with the frame, it went in, and he just went into the point again. He made the most of those moments because after that, I would say, lucky shot, he played a really good point. He played a really good level in some moments.

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“I would say, I was asking for a lucky toss, you know, in the match in some specific moments, but it didn’t come. And I would say tennis, it is what it is. Some moments he made the most of his chances, he took the chances, and that’s it. All I can say right now is, I got to be back home, I got to be ready for next, and I got to be, you know, coach the practice coach once again, and trying to play better in the next tournament.”

“To be honest, I didn’t play the way that I wanted to play, a lot of mistakes. I didn’t find a good position on the return. For example, I was returning pretty well. Today I didn’t find a good one. Obviously, credit to him. I would say he serves really, really well.

“But, you know, when I got into the rhythm, when I got into the point, I made a lot of mistakes. I wasn’t feeling comfortable with the shots. So, I’m really disappointed from today’s match, because I didn’t find the solution. I would say I just made a lot of unforced errors.”

Carlos Alcaraz remains positive heading into final stretch of season

Asked if he still feels positive in his game ahead of the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals in Turin, Alcaraz replied: “Yeah, of course. I mean, I played great tournaments. Obviously taking the positive things from today is really difficult. Right now I didn’t take it yet.

“So, I will try the next few days to think clearly. Right now, you know, all the negative thoughts comes to my mind and none of the positives. But I think I will take it, you know, the good things about, you know, having the matches.

“I can re-watch the matches with my coach, with my team. It’s going to be really helpful for the next tournament. But just happy with the way that I’m playing lately, and obviously positive tournaments, the latest ones.”

Alcaraz has never won either the Paris Masters or the ATP Finals, the two big tournaments remaining in 2026. He achieved his best finish at the ATP Finals last year by making the final before losing to Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz has never made it past the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.

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