Carlos Alcaraz’s Australian Open Chances Assessed as ATP Veteran Draws New York Parallel to Deliver an Encouraging Verdict

The 20-year-old Spanish rising star, Carlos Alcaraz, has bitter-sweet memories from the 2023 season. He had to withdraw from the Australian Open earlier this year due to a hamstring injury in his right leg. But then, Alcaraz made a comeback and went on to win 6 titles, including a Grand Slam triumph at the Wimbledon. However, the new season is just around the corner and fans are eager to know about his chances at the AO this time. 

So far, Carlos Alcaraz has appeared only twice at the mega slam in the ‘Land Down Under’. First in 2021, where he became the youngest participant in the men’s singles, and then appeared in the AO 2022, as the youngest world no.1. The 49-year-old former pro, Alex Corretja recently spoke about the chances of his 20YO compatriot in the AO. Let’s find out what he said in his interview with Eurosport.

Former no.2 sheds light on the chances of the current no.2 in the first Grand Slam of 2024

The Australian Open is set to commence from January 14 to 28. So there isn’t much time left before it kick starts at Melbourne Park, and the young Spaniard is all set to start the tennis season with a bang. But before that, Alex Corretja showcases his optimism as he feels that the AO suits Alcaraz’s personality and style of play.

He said, “I think the Australian Open fits him perfectly. Because of the conditions, because of the way the ball bounces, because it can be hot, because there is a night session that gives you the impression that everything is spectacular. Similar to the session New York night…”

After giving out so many positive pointers, Corretja continued, “I think that if he arrives well, with some preparation matches, he can play a very good Australian Open. He will be excited after not having played last year, knowing that the last time he played there he ended up losing ‘a very close match.'” 

Corretja then went on to add that Carlos Alcaraz has been world no.1 before, so he shouldn’t take the pressure of returning to the top spot. Instead, he should only concentrate on his performance and the ranking will take care of itself. However, can Alcaraz meet the expectations even after suffering from a sudden setback? 

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Alcaraz suffered a setback ahead of his first major event in 2024

Carlos Alcaraz finished the year being the second best on the table and 2390 points behind Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard would now want to get back on track next season, but before that, a major breaking news came out from his camp. Alcaraz will now have to compete in the AO without his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. Ferrero is currently recovering from an arthroscopy on his left knee and will be out of action till March next year.

The 43-year-old Spanish coach has been a constant for Alcaraz since 2019. He has witnessed his 6 ATP and 2 Grand Slam titles triumph from the stands. However, in light of the recent events, he will now be replaced by Samuel Lopez for the time being. Accepting the present, Carlos Alcaraz will look to give his best, and his upcoming face-off is literally against the best. 

Next up for Carlos Alcaraz is the exhibition match against Novak Djokovic in Riyadh on December 27. As the world no.1 will clash with the world no. 2, fans will get a glimpse of the action-packed 2024. Can Alcaraz beat the Djoker and set the tempo for the rest of the season?

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