Roger Federer’s ex-coach picks Jannik Sinner ahead of Carlos Alcaraz on ‘this’ surface
Jannik Sinner has had a lot of success on indoor hard courts recently, whereas Carlos Alcaraz has not had the same success on this surface.
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Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz after their Six Kings Slam final (Image via Reuters)
Roger Federer’s former coach, Ivan Ljubicic, has picked Jannik Sinner over Carlos Alcaraz on indoor surfaces. The season has now officially moved to the indoor hard court phase, with players trying to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals.
Ljubicic believes that Alcaraz hasn’t had the same success on indoor hard courts as Sinner. Thus, he would pick the Italian to continue his success in the 2024 indoor hardcourt season.
Yes, for me Sinner is the big favourite. It is also because Alcaraz has not yet convinced me on indoor courts, where he has a very high level, but on indoor courts, even in Turin last year, he suffered a lot, especially from a mental point of view. Let’s see if that changes this year. If we want to look for someone who is closer to Jannik, I would say Zverev.
Ivan Ljubicic told Sky Sports Italy
Sinner has won seven ATP titles in 2024, including one on indoor hard courts. That indoor victory came at the Rotterdam Open earlier this year, following his dramatic Australian Open title win in January.
Last year, World No.1 Sinner showed his potential on indoor hard courts for the first time by defeating Novak Djokovic en route to the Nitto ATP Finals. Later, he beat the Serb again on the indoor surface during Italy’s Davis Cup win in November.
Carlos Alcaraz shares his take on his diet
Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t view his eating habits as a strict diet. However, recent changes have helped improve his performance.
I don’t follow a diet per se, but I do try to take care of myself. I’ll eat whatever I want. If something comes my way that I like, I’m happy to take it.
Carlos Alcaraz told ATP
Before a match, Alcaraz usually has fish, especially sushi, which he enjoys. Right before he plays, he eats a mixed pasta dish with both gluten-free and regular pasta, along with a special cocoa spread called Ambrosia made with dates and olive oil.
His physiotherapist, Jorge Moreno, gives him guidance on nutrition. A few years back, a blood test led Moreno to suggest a mostly gluten-free diet to help Alcaraz’s performance.
Alcaraz, now ranked no.2, is gearing up for his second Nitto ATP Finals. His most recent match was on October 10, when he lost to Tomas Machac in the Shanghai quarterfinals. So far in 2024, Alcaraz has a 51-10 record and has won four major titles: Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon, and Beijing, along with a final appearance in Paris.
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Fahad Hamid
(625 Articles Published)