Carlos Alaras: “I saw in his language the body that he was bad”

Spanish tennis player and newly made masters champion in Cincinnati Carlos Alaras held a press conference after the finals against Yannik Sinner (the Italian starred after 0: 5 in the first set):

– Maybe not as you wanted, but how do you feel right now?

– Yes, it is clear that this is not the way I wanted to win the finale. First of all, I want to wish Janik as soon as possible recovery. I hope that in a few days he will feel good, be able to prepare and train in front of the US Open and continue to give such a stunning tennis. As for me, I’m just really glad that I can go with this trophy. I lost this finale in 2023, and very and very much wanted to win this trophy. Therefore, I am really proud and happy that I could lift it.

– Congratulations on the title. Of course, this is a strange scenario. Tell us when you understand – in his condition or body language – that he may not be able to finish?

– I think, after the third game, I noticed that he was feeling completely. I know him – we competed for two years, there were excellent matches. I know his style, his game. After the third game, I noticed that he was giving more aggressively than usual, and was more often mistaken – even before the third blow, it was noticeable that it was strange for him. I saw in his language the body that he was bad. And just in the third game, I understood it.

– I wanted to learn about the mixed steam tournament on the US Open. Did you see a net? How inspiring you is this concept?

– I think it’s great. The schedule, honestly, is not perfect – playing tomorrow, but I like the idea of mixed couples. I think it will be something new to me and I’m glad. It will be cool to speak with Emma. It will be difficult, especially against Draper and Pegula, but I will try to get the most pleasure. I will see what kind of balls, and I perceive it as an important and good training. I will try to tomorrow to go to the court in the best form despite the trip to New York. Maybe I will go to bed late, but I will try to do my best to help win. We will see that it will work, but I think it will be interesting and cool – to participate in such matches.

– They say, there is fast court and heavy balls. How do you plan to adapt to New York after such conditions here?

– I will say this: this is a little different story. New York is slower. The balls “lie” differently. The courts there are a little larger, smaller here. Everything is here faster than in New York. Well, we have time to get used to it. We try to make the conditions – the balls and the court – as similar as possible between the tournaments, without a big difference. But it is still a matter of preparation and adaptation. Let’s see how it will be in New York.

– Congratulations. How do you feel on the eve of US Open? Is there something similar to the feelings that were in front of Wimbledon, Rolan Harrosom or Australian Open?

-Well, you feel different. I played many matches before every Grand Slam. I approach the US Open differently. I feel confident, playing on another cover. New York is a tournament where I like to play. There I won my first Major and I am grateful for the support I always get. Last year, I did not develop – I did not show my level. So this year I really want to show my best tennis, go as far as possible, enjoy the love of the public. Let’s see how everything will happen in New York.

– You do perfectly with the heat in the last few weeks. Is there anything but hydration that helps you prepare for these conditions?

– Honestly, I do not do anything special against the heat outside. But I trained in the hottest hours – from 12 to 14 and from 16 to 18, when the sun is as active as possible. I came from Mursdia – there is also a high temperature, about 43-44 degrees. So I am used to extreme conditions. Of course, it is difficult for matches, but I’m glad how I cope with it. But yes, I focused and trained to be ready for matches.