Madrid. Carlos Alcaraz says he is fit and ready to lead Spain in the group stage of Davis Cup tennis this weekend. Spain face Australia, Czech Republic and France in a tough group, with matches to be played in Valencia. Speaking to the press on Monday, Alcaraz was asked about his fitness following a disappointing second-round loss at the US Open, followed by victories at the French Open and Wimbledon and an Olympic silver medal in August. He admitted that, in New York, he “didn’t manage to play at the level he would have liked,” but added, “It’s very difficult to perform at the level you want every day, and you have to be prepared to accept things as they come.”
Alcaraz said he lacked preparation after a very intense heat due to “few days of rest and training” while insisting he now “feels good and motivated to play Davis Cup at home. Mentally I am very eager and motivated to continue improving, and physically I have worked well since losing in New York to be at an optimal level to face the Davis Cup and what is to come.” Alcaraz revealed that after his US Open loss to Botic van de Zandschulp, he was spending time with other interests. “I had a few days to calm my mind. But we thought the best thing was to get back to training and get physically fit,” he said.