Alcaraz Questions Paris Masters’ Court Speeds After Early Exit: Calls Change ‘Crazy'”
Carlos Alcaraz, one of tennis’s brightest stars, recently voiced frustration over the rapid court speeds at the 2024 Paris Masters, attributing his early exit from the tournament to a factor that left him both perplexed and critical. Alcaraz, known for his dynamic style and adaptability, was defeated by Frenchman Ugo Humbert in a closely contested three-set match that highlighted Humbert’s best performance yet. The 21-year-old Alcaraz has previously beaten Humbert twice this year, but the Parisian courts’ sudden shift to ultra-fast speeds seemed to favor Humbert, who capitalized on the home support to secure a 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 victory.
While Alcaraz congratulated Humbert on his well-earned win, he was candid about his confusion regarding the court conditions, calling the unprecedented change “crazy.” “I don’t want to say it as an excuse; Ugo deserves to win,” Alcaraz admitted in the post-match press conference. “But this is the fastest court in the Masters 1000 series, probably the fastest on tour right now. It’s surprising and hard to understand.”
Alcaraz noted that the court speed at this year’s Paris Masters felt drastically different compared to previous editions. Reports suggest that the 2024 surface is the fastest court the Paris tournament has seen in a decade, sparking discussion among players and commentators alike. The Masters 1000 tournament’s organizers have received mixed feedback for the decision to accelerate the court speed, aiming perhaps to enhance the pace of play and add a unique challenge. However, Alcaraz highlighted that such significant changes to the court’s behavior could alter the game’s dynamics and impact player preparation, especially when players are used to relatively consistent court speeds across different tournaments.
Reflecting on his preparation, Alcaraz mentioned that he had limited time to acclimate to the conditions in Paris, acknowledging that coming to the venue earlier might have been beneficial. “I came here with not too many days,” he explained. “Probably I had to come earlier to get used to these conditions, but I didn’t. Honestly, all I can say is I don’t understand why they did it.”
Despite his frustration, Alcaraz remained focused on the positives, acknowledging that Humbert brought an exceptional level of play, especially in the deciding moments. “I think every time he plays against me, he increases his level. In Paris, even more so,” Alcaraz noted, commending his opponent’s elevated performance in front of a supportive home crowd. Humbert, who had struggled in their previous encounters, seemed to thrive on the faster court, allowing him to hit with precision and capitalize on shorter rallies—factors that worked to his advantage.
The unexpected conditions not only made Alcaraz’s path to victory more challenging but raised broader questions about the role of tournament settings and how they shape matches. Alcaraz’s openness about the challenges of adapting to the altered Paris courts reflects a shared sentiment among players about the need for consistency across venues, particularly within the same tournament series. While Alcaraz’s Paris journey ended earlier than expected, his comments have reignited discussions around tournament conditions, adding an extra layer to the Paris Masters narrative this year.
As Alcaraz shifts focus to future competitions, his adaptability and resilience remain at the forefront of his game, signaling that this setback will only fuel his drive to tackle any court conditions the ATP Tour may throw his way.
