Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘identity’ and ‘lack of continuity’ issues raised by former player as he explains how the Spaniard can beat Jannik Sinner
World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz, after the Australian Open exit, is chasing his first title of the season at the Rotterdam Open.
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Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)
Carlos Alcaraz is in Rotterdam chasing his first indoor hard-court title. One issue in his game was observed by former player Paolo Lorenzi who explained what the Spaniard should do to be different than the lower-ranked players.
Alcaraz is 6-4 against Jannik Sinner. The 21-year-old has also defeated the Italian ace in their last three encounters in official tournaments. But in spite of that, Lorenzi explained that the Spaniard needs to play to his full potential against the World No.1.
And when he lights up, he can beat Sinner and play at his best. He still doesn’t have that identity, like when he plays against players ranked around 100 in the world. Then he often wins them because he has the qualities to do so. But there is really no continuity during his matches.
Paolo Lorenzi said on Italian channel Super Tennis
Sinner was the most consistent player on the ATP Tour last year, winning eight titles, including two Majors. Alcaraz could bag only four trophies.
The ongoing Rotterdam Open was initially a part of Sinner’s schedule but after defending the Australian Open, he chose not to defend the title in Rotterdam. And as Alexander Zverev too took a break, Alcaraz entered the tournament as a top seed.
Carlos Alcaraz explains how he can win more free points
Former ATP pro Richard Krajicek had lauded Carlos Alcaraz, calling his game almost perfect. But the 53-year-old Dutchman also believes that if Alcaraz clinches more free points with his first serve, he could save some energy. Alcaraz too is of the same opinion as he has been working a lot on the improvement of his serves.
Well, that’s what I’m aiming for, that’s why I’ve improved my serve, to be able to earn more free points. I’m working on it. I hope to keep improving to win those free points, but I think it’s time to achieve it.
Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference after his second-round win
While Alcaraz made some changes to his service game, Arnaud Clement, a former French ATP pro stated that the modification in the younger’s serves have not made any impact on his performance. Clement, the 2001 Australian Open finalist, also thinks Alcaraz’s serves are not all a weapon in his game as it is in Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev’s case.
In Rotterdam, Alcaraz, who couldn’t accomplish the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open due to a four-set defeat to Novak Djokovic, overcame Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp before securing a 6-2, 6-1 win against Andrea Vavassori. With this win, the four-time Grand Slam champion reached his 42nd tour-level quarterfinal.
He will next lock horns with compatriot Pedro Martinez, the unseeded ATP pro, who knocked out 5th seed Holger Rune in the fourth round. The match will be Alcaraz’s first encounter with Martinez.
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Gouri Das
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