In the wake of an unexpected loss by Carlos Alcaraz in the Doha quarterfinals, six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker has stepped up to defend the young tennis star. Alcaraz, despite leading 4-2 in the decisive set, fell to Jiri Lehecka, causing a stir among tennis commentators.
One such commentator, Jose Morgado, criticized Alcaraz for his performance, stating that the 21-year-old ‘completely disappeared’ during key moments of the match. Alcaraz’s loss, after securing the first set, came as a shock to many, particularly given the manner of his defeat.
However, Becker was quick to shield the young talent from the onslaught of criticism. According to Becker, Alcaraz’s inconsistency is a result of his youth. Over time, Becker argues, consistency will naturally develop. He further expressed admiration for Alcaraz’s style and charisma, both of which are undeniably captivating for tennis fans worldwide.
Alcaraz’s match with Lehecka saw a surprising turn of events. After losing the first set, the top-seeded Spaniard managed to turn the tables, winning the second set convincingly. The third set seemed to be going in Alcaraz’s favor as well, with him leading 4-2 and on the brink of a double-break. However, Lehecka staged a remarkable comeback, winning the seventh game and the following three, thus securing his victory at 6-3 3-6 6-4 and securing his spot in the Doha semifinals.
Reflecting on the match, Alcaraz acknowledged that he missed a golden opportunity at 4-2 in the third set. He also credited Lehecka’s performance, stating that his competitor played ‘great tennis’ after the pivotal seventh game.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz has had a noteworthy year so far, boasting an 11-2 record in 2025. His achievements include reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and clinching the Rotterdam title. Ranked third in the world, he now sets his sights on the Indian Wells Masters, where he will be defending his title in early March.
As Alcaraz forges ahead in his career, Becker’s words of encouragement serve as a reminder that even the greatest players have faced their share of ups and downs. With time and experience, the young Spaniard has every chance of fulfilling his undeniable potential.