Carlos Alcaraz likes to play a number of exhibition matches through the yr, desirous to have enjoyable and provides the followers a number of spectacular photographs. The previous world No.1 is immensely proficient and has an enormous vary of options on the tennis courtroom, which is why he is likely one of the most fascinating gamers to observe in any match he performs.
The younger Spanish champion performed two exhibition matches in the US in the beginning of December, going through Ben Shelton in New York and Frances Tiafoe in Charlotte respectively. Some followers and insiders criticized Carlitos for this selection, stating that it might have been higher for him to dedicate that point to getting ready for 2025.
Carlos Alcaraz, Laver Cup 2024© Stream screenshot
Nonetheless – as he admitted a number of occasions in 2024 – the 21-year-old from Murcia must take pleasure in life at sure occasions and would not need to take into consideration tennis on a regular basis. Regardless of some ups and downs, this yr has been very optimistic for Alcaraz who has received two Grand Slam titles (Roland Garros and Wimbledon) and a Masters 1000 (Indian Wells).
The 4-time Grand Slam champion wants to enhance by way of consistency and is training arduous together with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who will observe him to Australia for the primary Main of the brand new season.
Ferrero won’t be Carlos’ solely coach subsequent yr, given the latest addition of Samuel Lopez (former coach of Pablo Carreno Busta). The latter will accompany the world quantity 3 through the prestigious Rotterdam ATP 500, wherein the Spaniard will take part for the primary time in his younger profession.
Alcaraz likes to play exhibitions
Earlier than defending his title in Indian Wells, the previous world No. 1 will play one other exhibition match towards Tiafoe in Puerto Rico in early March.
Carlos Alcaraz, Laver Cup 2024© Stream screenshot
Throughout a latest interview with Eurosport, ATP legend Mats Wilander mirrored on Carlitos’ option to play some exhibitions through the season: “I think it’s very positive that Carlos Alcaraz plays certain exhibitions.
I’m not a big fan when you’re going to play an exhibition tournament where you have to play four or five matches or even three or four.
But when you go to massive stadiums like Madison Square Garden, it’s okay, and it’s just one match. We’re not talking about preparing four or five days before and then playing three or four matches.”
Mats additionally added: “So the whole discussion about the schedule being too tough and too many matches having been played, I think sometimes you have to separate the exhibitions from the exhibitions.
And an exhibition like going to Madison Square Garden, the experience in New York City in the fall and winter, I mean, it’s a big inspiration for any artist or athlete. So I think he’s done the right thing.”
The rivalry with Sinner
The Spaniard has already achieved mind-blowing outcomes for his age, however he should not cease working if he desires to turn out to be top-of-the-line gamers of all time.
The rivalry with Jannik Sinner might be very helpful for Carlitos, who is aware of he should at all times be 100% match to have the ability to compete towards the Italian. The world No. 1 has had spectacular consistency in 2024, outdistancing his nice rival by virtually 5000 factors regardless of Alcaraz profitable two Grand Slam titles in the identical yr.
Alcaraz and Sinner© Instagram Bnp Paribas Open Indian Wells
The present world quantity 3 has mentioned a number of occasions that he desires to achieve the identical degree because the Massive 3, however there may be nonetheless an extended technique to go to get on that checklist.
The 21-year-old from Murcia was virtually unbeatable between the spring and summer season of 2024, however his run was interrupted towards Novak Djokovic within the last of the Paris Olympics. Carlitos was the highest favourite to win the gold medal on his favourite floor, however a deluxe model of Nole and a few problem in dealing with the strain prevented him from realizing his dream. The younger Spaniard can have many different possibilities to win the gold medal, however that painful defeat has plagued him loads within the following months.
On the most recent version of Andy Roddick’s podcast, tennis legend John McEnroe mentioned Alcaraz’s spectacular achievements: “If you had told me the three guys 20 years ago would beat Pete who was arguably the best player who ever lived, had 14 majors and it took 35 years for him to pass Roy Emerson, that three of these guys would do it and hit 20 or more, I would have said you’re out of your mind.
I hope I am wrong about Alcaraz. That he is not going to be able to keep this up as long, I still think he is going to win 10 of them, which would still be unbelievable.”
