Carlos Alcaraz’s next big opportunity comes in Miami despite Indian Wells exit

Carlos Alcaraz did not have his best outing at last year’s Miami Masters, falling to world number 55 David Goffin in his first match of the tournament.

It was a rough performance from Alcaraz, who racked up 42 unforced errors in the 7-5, 4-6, 3-6 defeat.

A year on, though, that loss could actually work in his favour.

Last year’s early exit meant he picked up just 30 ATP ranking points from the event.

This time around, there’s a chance for him to earn as many as 970 ranking points if things go his way.

Sinner isn’t defending any points through the sunshine and clay-court swings until Roland Garros. That means it’s a good time for Alcaraz to strengthen his grip on the number one spot when he heads to Miami.

The Spaniard already knows what it takes to win there, having claimed the title back in 2022.

Carlos Alcaraz comments on his defeat to David Goffin

Following his defeat to Goffin, Alcaraz openly acknowledged that he hadn’t been at his best.

Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said:

“I didn’t play well, physically I didn’t feel well,” Alcaraz said after the defeat, as per TNT Sports.

“When you don’t have the confidence of your level physically, I think it’s really tough to maintain good tennis.

“I didn’t feel well in my legs. I wasn’t injured, I wasn’t sick. I was feeling perfectly before the match. I felt good, a little bit nervous, which is normal before the match.

Despite starting strong with a 7-5 win in the opening set and breaking early in the second, Alcaraz couldn’t keep up that momentum.

Goffin took advantage of 42 unforced errors from Alcaraz and managed to turn things around in three sets. The Belgian went on to lose in straight sets to Brandon Nakashima in round three.

This loss contributed to a stretch where Alcaraz lost four matches out of six during March and April last season.