Former World No.2 claims Carlos Alcaraz is still figuring out “what life is” on the tennis circuit as he searches for balance
Carlos Alcaraz has had a meteoric rise to the ATP elite in less than five years, as he made his debut in the Tour at the 2020 Rio Open.
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Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)
Carlos Alcaraz has established himself among the ATP elites in just five years after making his debut at the 2020 Rio Open. However, amidst the huge success on the court, former World No.2 Alex Corretja believes the Spaniard has a massive weight on his shoulders, and he’s still trying to understand what life on the circuit is.
Alcaraz emerged almost fully formed and that helped him become World No.1 in 2022. His meteoric rise to the top of the sport has brought along immense fame to the 21-year-old. Also, he has continued to dominate the court winning four Grand Slams and numerous tour-level titles. Last year, he claimed his first French Open title and second Wimbledon Championship.
But after that, he witnessed a difficult run of form, losing to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Paris Olympics before exiting the US Open in the second round. Though he won the ATP 500 title in China, Alcaraz failed to reach his expectations as he won only four titles. This season has won only one in four tournaments.
During a conversation, Alex Corretja revealed that Alcaraz looks to.be struggling with life on the men’s circuit. He added that the World No.3 has enjoyed a series of quick successes which has made it difficult for him to find the right balance.
He is still searching and trying to understand who he is, he is still figuring out what the circuit is and what life is on it. Alcaraz has become a world star in the media and, therefore, has a very difficult weight on his young shoulders. Yes, he wins titles. If he earns money, we all know that he’s privileged. But the toll that comes with that, to become someone so powerful for the brands, for the fans, for everything that comes with it, now he has a series that has been made for him, a documentary, all the exhibitions, all this has wear and tear.
Alex Corretja said via TNT Sport
Since last year, Alcaraz has featured in more exhibition tournaments than any other Top 10 player, which has seen his earnings increase. The Spaniards’ fame has also made tournament organizers excited about participating in their events.
Alex Corretja believes Carlos Alcaraz needs to understand that life will “not always be joy”
Carlos Alcaraz’s 16-match winning streak in Indian Wells came to an end in the semifinals after losing to Jack Draper. The Spaniard was the favorite to win the tournament from the start but a 1-6, 6-0, 4-6 loss to the British star shattered those hopes. He now has to find ways to bounce back in Miami. That has led Alex Corretja to suggest that Alcaraz needs to find a way to win even when not playing well.
I believe that Alcaraz cannot lose his DNA, he cannot lose his personality, but he will have to understand that life will not always be joy, he will not always be able to have a good time, he will not always be able to enjoy himself, to laugh and say: ‘Well, that is when I am at my best.’ There are days when he will not be able to do that. And I think there have been moments, especially last year, at Roland Garros, when he accepted it very well.
Alex Corretja said
Alcaraz will now aim to get back to winning ways at the Miami Open. He’s one of the top favorites to win the title because his arch-rival, Jannik Sinner, is under suspension.
Carlos Alcaraz gets a tough draw as he aims to win his second title of the year in Miami
Carlos Alcaraz is the second seed at the Miami Open. He will also be aiming to lift the title for the second time in his career. He has received an opening-round bye and will begin his campaign on Friday (March 21) against David Goffin in the second round. If he does win the match, he will likely face Brandon Nakashima or Roberto Carballes Baena in the third.
After that, a likely rematch of last year’s quarter-finals awaits him, as he will take Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round. The World No.2 will then possibly face either Novak Djokovic or Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals if he’s successful in the Round of 16.
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