"Tough winning 2 Majors" - Carlos Alcaraz sparks mock disbelief from Frances Tiafoe and Sloane Stephens while discussing his 'challenging' 2024 season

Carlos Alcaraz recently opened up about the challenges he faced during the 2024 season. However, given the Spaniard's exceptional results, his remarks prompted hilarious ribbing from Frances Tiafoe and Sloane Stephens.

Alcaraz produced a stellar season in 2024, winning his maiden French Open title and successfully defending his Wimbledon crown. The Spaniard also triumphed at the Indian Wells Masters, won the silver medal in singles at the Paris Olympics, and clinched the China Open title, concluding the year with a 54-13 win/loss record.

After unwinding with a family trip to the Dominican Republic during the off-season, the 21-year-old has begun his pre-season preparations. Following his win over Ben Shelton at the blockbuster Garden Cup exhibition event in New York, the World No. 3 has arrived in Charlotte to face Frances Tiafoe in a highly anticipated encounter, with Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys battling it out in the women's match.

During a group press conference before the Charlotte Invitational, Carlos Alcaraz spoke about his "challenging" season.

"Well, this year has been challenging for me, but at the same time...," Carlos Alcaraz said.

However, the 21-year-old's remarks prompted a hilarious response, with Stephens expressing mock disbelief and Tiafoe sarcastically quipping that winning two Major titles didn't count as a hardship.

"Really? Tell us about it!" Stephens joked.

"Tough winning two Majors," Tiafoe quipped.

Alcaraz clarified that he was referring to his injury struggles and the complications he faced during the clay season, despite winning the French Open. Nevertheless, the four-time Grand Slam champion took pride in overcoming the challenges and doubts, expressing his desire to build on his success in 2025.

"I'm not used to dealing with so many injuries. And this year was a complicated time for me, you know, when I faced the clay season. But I ended up good. At the same time, I look back and I think I did have a really good season," he said.

"I'm really proud about what I did to overcome the problems that I had, the doubts that I had. In general, just happy with everything I've learned this season and hopefully you know, in 2025, I can try to copy or do even better for the season," he added.

Frances Tiafoe couldn't resist adding another lighthearted jab, jokingly wishing that the 21-year-old wouldn't experience such a stellar season again.

"Well, I hope you don't have a season like that again," Tiafoe joked.

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Carlos Alcaraz: "I'm sure I'll be the Australian Open champion sooner or later, let's hope it happens this year"

Carlos Alcaraz (Source: Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz has already shed light on his ambition to surpass his 2024 accomplishments by winning his maiden Australian Open title in 2025. The Spaniard suffered a shock loss to Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals at this year's edition of the event.

Alcaraz also emphasized the importance of completing the career Grand Slam and expressed confidence in his ability to lift the trophy at the Melbourne Slam.

"I'm sure I'll be the Australian [Open] champion sooner or later. Let's hope it happens this year," Carlos Alcaraz told the press in New York. "For me it is very important to complete the remaining ('big') ones."

Having commemorated his maiden US Open, Wimbledon, and French Open victories with meaningful tattoos, Carlos Alcaraz has revealed his plans to add a kangaroo tattoo to his collection if he wins the Australian Open.