Exclusive Q&A with Mark Lajal after Alcaraz match at Wimbledon

Following Mark Lajal's first match at Wimbledon against Carlos Alcaraz, where he was defeated 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-2 by the No 3 seed, Tennis Majors interviewed the 21-year-old Estonian to discuss his thoughts on the experience.

Finding Satisfaction After Defeat: Do You Have Reasons To Smile?

Mark Lajal: I feel good about my performance, but there are parts of me that feel disappointed because I had a break in each set. I think I could have done better in those service games. Carlos played really well. Overall, I'm happy with how I played, but I also feel like I could have improved a bit.

Improve Your Serve To Capitalize On Opportunities

Mark Lajal: I think I could have made some changes during those service games when I was ahead. Maybe I should have focused on my first serves more and taken my time instead of rushing. Carlos also played very cleverly during those moments, making me work hard. He was very consistent, making it challenging for me. Overall, I believe I could have performed better, but I don't regret anything.

Did You Lose 10 Points In A Row After The Break?

Mark Lajal shared that during a recent match, he found himself in a humorous situation. He felt like he was losing points and couldn't understand what was happening. He thought he had finally gotten the upper hand when he "broke" his opponent, but then he made a mistake during his service game and his opponent played well. This made Lajal realize how quickly things can change in a game. Despite being down 0-30 on his service, he remained calm and focused, eventually winning a game in the end.

Reasons To Be Happy After This Match

Mark Lajal: I feel like I proved that I can compete at the highest level. I was able to hold my own and showcase my skills to many people. Playing on the Centre Court at Wimbledon was a truly unforgettable experience. Sharing that moment with Carlos made it even more special. There are many reasons for me to feel content and proud of my performance.

Carlos Mentioned Seeing You On Tour Soon

Mark Lajal: No, I didn't hear about it directly, but my friend gave me a quick summary. Hopefully, it goes well! My friend mentioned that I'm only the second player he's faced who is younger than him. I'm just 10 days younger, and he's not used to playing against younger opponents, so it's kind of funny.

How Did It Feel Playing With The Crowd?

Mark Lajal: I was feeling down after losing the game when the score was tied. It was a tough set to lose. The next serve game was also challenging with some close misses. Despite being behind, I remembered the advice to have fun and enjoy the game.

I thought I was feeling a bit low, but I decided to energize the crowd a bit and not give up easily. I wanted to spice things up and make it interesting. I hoped Carlos would feel a bit of pressure and tried to liven things up. It was enjoyable, I really enjoyed it.

What Were Your Thoughts On The Audience Post-game?

Mark Lajal: I had a great time, it was very enjoyable. The crowd was really enthusiastic and supportive of me. I had a blast.

How To Transition Back To Reality?

Mark Lajal: That's a good question. Playing on the Centre Court at Wimbledon felt like a dream. But now, I have to return to everyday life. It was an amazing experience, but I know this is just the start. I need to work hard to get back here. I won't be going back to work, but I'll be back to training. I'll be grinding it out in Challengers, aiming to return to Wimbledon as soon as possible. I'll start focusing on playing in ATP tournaments and main draws again for sure.

What's Your Next Game?

Mark Lajal: I plan to compete in Canada, and then possibly in Chicago. There may be other opportunities as well, but it all depends on my performance.

How Did This Experience Affect Your Season Goals?

Mark Lajal: My goal remains unchanged. At the start of the year, I set high expectations for myself. The year hasn't gone as well as I hoped, perhaps because my goals were too ambitious. However, one of my goals was to qualify for a Grand Slam, and I achieved it. I am happy about that. This tournament has boosted my confidence and motivation to continue competing. This is what I work for, and it is my dream. I aim to return here and have new goals to strive for.

How Would You Introduce Yourself To New Followers?

Mark Lajal: This is my true self, this is who I am. I don't pretend to be someone else. I strive to be genuine, to stand out in some way. Appearance is important, I aim to craft my own unique image, striving to be unique.