Carlos Alcaraz (ATP Tour)
Carlos Alcaraz won the Miami Open last week but lost in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters to Sebastian Korda
Carlos Alcaraz has had a very hectic 2022 so far. Since the start of the season, the teenager has already played six tournaments and won two of them – the Rio Open and the Miami Open. However, he didn’t quite live up to expectations in the Monte Carlo Masters and it seemed exhaustion and fatigue played a huge role in his Round of 32 loss to Sebastian Korda.
Tennis legend and six-time grand slam winner, Boris Becker believes that Alcaraz needs to take a break before the Roland Garros to avoid any risk of injury. “He must not believe in his own hype now. He’s not the best yet. He is the high-flyer of the scene. The way he played this year, there was only one player who was better and he is also from Spain. But the clay court season is exhausting, the matches are longer. I hope he doesn’t play Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and also Rome because then it’s too much for my taste”, said Becker.
He further added, “He has to take a break because he’s only human and he’s also tired sometimes. When you continue to play tired, the first injuries occur. It is very important to find the fine line between what is good in tournament and matches and what is too much.”
Alcaraz won the Rio Open last month. The tournament was played on a clay surface, a good warm up event leading to the Roland Garos which is played on clay surface. Alcaraz became the youngest ever ATP 500 champion after defeating Diego Schwartzmann 6-4, 6-2 in the final. Alcaraz however got injured before the next tournament. The Spaniard withdrew from the Acapulco Open in Mexico owing to a niggle he suffered post the Rio Open. With a packed schedule, he would look to ensure he stays fit and on top of his game going into the French Open.
However, it doesn’t seem that the 18-year-old Alcaraz is looking for breaks at the moment. Speaking after the match, Alcaraz said, “I am ready to go to training and focus on the next tournaments. It was a tough match but I think mentally I am ready to play these kind of matches, long and tough matches. I mean mentally and physically I’m ready.”
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