“Like making decisions,” Carlos Alcaraz reveals why he can’t always be ‘obedient’ like idol Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz will bid to win his first title at the Monte Carlo Masters where he will be making his second appearance.
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/#AusOpen, Rappler)
Rafael Nadal said one of his biggest virtues was ‘obedience’; that he always listens to his team. For Carlos Alcaraz, it’s different. Alcaraz is in Monte Carlo to make his second appearance in the tournament.
He last played in the tournament in 2022 and skipped the last two editions because of injuries. Ahead of his opening round, Alcaraz said that, like Nadal, he too listens to his team members but sometimes makes certain decisions on his own.
Of course, I listen to my team; that’s why I’m with them, and I fully trust what they do. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by people who tell me what they think is best for me, who aren’t just looking to get my jokes, so to speak. But that doesn’t mean that I sometimes have my own point of view and that I like making decisions, despite the risk of making mistakes.
Carlos Alcaraz told GQ Espana
The 38-year-old, after persistent struggles with injury, finally bade his farewell to tennis at the David Cup last year. Before that tournament, the 22-time Grand Slam champion paired up with the 21-year-old for the Paris Olympics but they were defeated in the quarterfinals.
Carlos Alcaraz makes feelings clear on his inconsistent performance
Last year, Carlos Alcaraz completed the rare Channel Slam. Apart from winning the French Open and Wimbledon, the four-time Grand Slam champion lifted two more titles- at Indian Wells and the China Open. He came close to winning his first Olympic gold medal but couldn’t overcome Novak Djokovic in the final.
This season was no different. The Murcia native so far is playing inconsistent tennis and last month, he fell in his first-round match at the Miami Open. The Spaniard has won just one title – the Rotterdam Open, which is also his first on indoor hard court. Amid criticism for his lack of consistency, Alcaraz said he is complacent about the way he’s performing.
Talking about my tennis, I’m really happy with the way I’m playing. Since the year started, I’ve always said that I’m playing great tennis. There’s a lot of mental, physical, feeling. Talking about my game itself, I’m very satisfied. In any case, people don’t think about the opponent, they only think about me so if I lose there’s always something wrong. But that’s not right, I explained it before.
Carlos Alcaraz said (H/T: Ubitennis)
Alcaraz also is not focusing much on the No.1 ranking as the pressure of dethroning Jannik Sinner from the top “killed him“. The four-time Grand Slam champion sits in the third position and won’t be able to replace Sinner even if he lifts the Monte Carlo Masters.
Carlos Alcaraz to meet Francisco Cerundolo in his Monte-Carlo Masters opener
Carlos Alcaraz will be squaring off against Francisco Cerundolo for the third time in his career. The upcoming match will be their first encounter on clay following the 2024 Queen’s Club Championships round of 32 and the 2025 Indian Wells quarterfinals.
Alcaraz clinched victories both times. Before setting up the clash with Alcaraz, the Argentine knocked out 2019 Monte Carlo Masters champion Fabio Fognini in the previous round. Last year in The Principality, the 26-year-old was defeated by Karen Khachanov in the second round.
In the 2022 Monte Carlo Masters, Alcaraz was defeated in his first match by Sebastian Korda. If Alcaraz reaches the semifinal this season, he could face two-time French Open finalist and last year’s Monte Carlo runner-up Casper Ruud.
In the final, Alcaraz is projected to meet two-time Monte Carlo Masters champion Novak Djokovic, who will kick-start his campaign against Alejandro Tabilo. Alcaraz is 3-5 against the 24-time Major champion in their head-head-record.
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)