“Carlos Alcaraz just doesn’t lock it down” - Serena Williams’ ex-coach discusses Spaniard's “questionable” play after ATP Finals loss to Casper Ruud

Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs discussed Carlos Alcaraz's performance against Casper Ruud in the opening round of the 2024 ATP Finals on Monday, November 11. Stubbs felt that the Spaniard tended to waver mentally during a match and often failed to capitalize on opportunities to garner 'free points'.

Alcaraz had a topsy-turvy year as he saw the highs of the tennis world while also going through spells where he struggled to achieve consistent results. Despite that, the Spaniard managed to win the French Open, Wimbledon, the Indian Wells Masters, and the Olympic silver medal. These triumphs helped him clinch the third seeding at the ATP Finals.

The 21-year-old took on sixth seed Casper Ruud in his opening match. The Norwegian came guns blazing against a struggling Alcaraz and won 6-1, 7-5. The World No. 3's performance stunned the tennis world, who were concerned about his health.

Serena Williams' ex-coach Rennae Stubbs took to Threads to discuss Carlos Alcaraz's 'questionable' play. Though she said the Spaniard was young and would win many more Majors, Stubbs expressed concern about his ability to win 'free points'.

She later bestowed upon Casper Ruud a hilarious new nickname, 'the oatmeal stallion', when she congratulated the Norwegian.

"Sometimes Carlos just doesn’t lock it down. He still has a tendency to go for a mental wander. Shots selections are questionable. 🤨 Don’t worry though y’all he’s still incredible and will win many many majors but on these faster courts not getting free points on serve also hurts him. Anyway, well done the oatmeal stallion," Serena Williams' ex-coach wrote.

Post by @rennaestubbs

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Alcaraz, who was struggling with some discomfort, opened up about his health struggles after the match.

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"I feel uncomfortable in the stomach" - Carlos Alcaraz opens up about his health struggles after his defeat to Casper Ruud

Carlos Alcaraz (Source: Getty)

During the post-match press conference, Carlos Alcaraz opened up about his health struggles, saying that though he wasn't at his 100%, he was still able to play a decent level of tennis. During one of his practice sessions, Alcaraz was seen wearing a nose-strip to aid breathing.

"Well, a few days before coming here, I got sick at home. And yeah, the days that I was practicing here, I was feeling okay. Not pretty good, but okay. I could play. I could feel that I can get into the rallies in the practice. Obviously, in the matches is totally different," Carlos Alcaraz said.

However, he revealed that he felt some discomfort in his stomach ahead of his match against Casper Ruud.

"But today I didn't feel well. In this morning, I feel uncomfortable in the stomach. After long rallies today, I couldn't feel well... I don't want to, you know, say because I don't want to sound like an excuse. But if I feel bad, I feel bad. It is what happened today," he added.

Carlos Alcaraz will play Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in the next two matches.