Tennis as ever is a sport of fine margins and Carlos Alcaraz was left frustrated and down at times during his loss to Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals.
A 6-3, 6-2 win for Djokovic who faces Jannik Sinner for the title on Sunday evening. One point in particular stood out for Alcaraz, but it was one that even though he played to his best he still lost.
He was told by coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero to remain strong, but in a lapse from the Spaniard and potentially the first sign of mental fragility, he admitted that he capitulated and it is something he needs to change.
“Well, it was an unbelievable point. I would say I couldn't play this point better. Even with that, I lost it. It's a little bit of frustration for me to play my best tennis in that point," said Alcaraz.
"Even with that, I lost it. It was the same for me. Juan Carlos was telling me that I have to stay strong mentally, I have to stay strong there, but I couldn't. I couldn't. It’s something that I have to improve.”