Carlos Alcaraz overcome a negative mindset to win his first two Davis Cup matches.
After losing in the second round of the US Open in August, the Spaniard returned to winning ways.
Alcaraz overcame Tomas Machac, who quit in the third set due to injury, and then joined up with Marcel Granollers to beat Jakub Mensik and Adam Pavlasek in three sets.
However, given his problems since the Olympic Games, Alcaraz had to dig deep emotionally to secure those triumphs.
What hurdles did Carlos Alcaraz face in his first Davis Cup matches versus Czechia?
Carlos Alcaraz speaks about overcoming mental challenges following his Olympic finals loss to Novak Djokovic and subsequent setbacks in Cincinnati and the US Open.
The 21-year-old also discussed having little time to reflect on his eventful summer, which includes winning the French Open and successfully defending his Wimbledon championship.
Alcaraz was keen to get Spain off to a winning start in the Davis Cup, and while he succeeded, he faced the pressure of being the favourite as well as the hangover after a dismal campaign in New York.
“I needed that after the last few games, as I wasn’t feeling particularly optimistic. “I felt extra pressure being number one in the first set,” Alcaraz told ATP.com. “I was uncomfortable, but I had to remain cheerful. The Davis Cup is special, and you always want to perform well.”
He went on to say, “I’m trying to take the positives from my time in the US and apply them so I don’t make the same mistakes again, as well as to progress mentally and become more mature.” I was incredibly eager to come here, and I’m looking forward to helping the squad get as far as possible.”
Carlos Alcaraz helps Spain start Davis Cup with a win.
Alcaraz was determined to assist Spain begin the Davis Cup with a win, and he succeeded as they won 3-0.
After Mahac retired with the match tied at one set apiece, veteran Roberto Bautista Agut defeated Jiri Lehecka, giving Spain a 2-0 lead.
Following Alcaraz and Granollers, they defeated Mensik and Pavlasek 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-7(2) to clinch the clean sweep.
The four-time Grand Slam champion will return to group B play on Friday, when Spain faces France.