Alex Corretja tells Carlos Alcaraz to stop chasing Novak Djokovic for the World No 1 rank amid dip in form

Carlos Alcaraz was advised to not take the pressure of returning as World No. 1 and overtaking Novak Djokovic by compatriot Alex Corretja.

Alex Corretja tells Carlos Alcaraz to stop chasing Novak Djokovic for the World No 1 rank amid dip in form

Carlos Alcaraz and Alex Corretja (Image via: Open source)

Carlos Alcaraz has delivered jaw-dropping results in the past two years and has made an impactful statement in the sport. The 20-year-old clinched two Grand Slam singles titles and captured the apex spot of the ATP rankings for the first time in 2022.

Despite enjoying a decent run in the 2023 season, the Spaniard could not secure the year-end World No. 1 position after losing the honor to Novak Djokovic.

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Subsequently, Eurosport consultant Alex Corretja and compatriot recently advised Alcaraz not to fixate on his goals solely to overtake the Serbian in global rankings and instead focus on achieving his best form.

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Speaking as a Eurosport consultant, Alex Corretja reserved a few words for the Spaniard’s recent dip in form after he lost his No. 1 spot to Djokovic. Corretja highlighted that Carlos Alcaraz must focus on elevating his performance and not obsess about capturing the No. 1 spot.

I think Carlos needs to relax about first place. He's already been number one, he's already proven to himself that he can be at the top of the rankings, and now we have to wait for the moment. We must continue to add points, matches, titles... and little by little, the circuit will show him where he is capable of arriving. He shouldn't be obsessed with it.
Said Eurosport consultant Alex Corretja

The former Spanish tennis professional further added that achieving the World No. 1 spot is contingent on his performance on the ATP Tour. He also said that Alcaraz’s tunnel vision for achieving that spot will do him no favors if he doesn’t prioritize other important aspects of his gameplay.

It could make him play tournaments that he wouldn't play under normal conditions. He's already been number one... It doesn't matter if he spent 20 or 33 weeks at number 1. Number one will come as a result of his results, but I don't think that should be a goal: it may be an illusion, but it generates additional tension which, in my opinion, does not help him.
He further added

Carlos Alcaraz lost his World No. 1 ranking to Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic after the latter thwarted his dream run at the 2023 Cincinnati Masters and later failed to defend his US Open title this year.

Carlos Alcaraz suffered a shock defeat at the 2023 ATP Finals

Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz suffered a straight-set shock defeat at the hands of Novak Djokovic during the semifinal of the highly anticipated 2023 ATP Finals.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (Source: Tennis365)

The 20-year-old lost to Alexander Zverev in the tournament’s opening round. However, Alcaraz later found his momentum and overcame challenges from Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev in the Turin event’s succeeding rounds. However, the Spaniard could not maintain a similar performance during his semifinal clash with the 24-time Grand Slam title champion.

Furthermore, the 20-year-old witnessed a severe drop in form following his US Open semifinal exit, costing him his World No. 1 ranking to Djokovic. It is worth noting that Alcaraz finished the season as World No. 2, falling 2390 points behind the Serbian.

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