Tennis has always been a sport of attrition, where players need to have a strong work ethic and discipline to compete at the highest level. Young players often have to prove their mettle and consistency to establish themselves in the sport. One such player who has been making waves in the tennis world is Carlos Alcaraz. The 19-year-old has been touted as the successor to his compatriot Rafael Nadal, thanks to his incredible work ethic and aggressive playing style. However, his recent injury struggles have put his future in the sport on doubt. In an exclusive podcast, Jimmy Connors questioned Alcaraz’s struggles with consistent injuries.
The Spaniard has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most exciting young players on the circuit. Despite earning accolades for his performances, he has withdrawn from several recent tournaments due to injuries.
Alcaraz, the tennis star touted as the next Rafael Nadal, receives harsh criticism
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In his podcast, Advantage Connors, the American tennis legend Jimmy Connors, expressed doubts about Alcaraz’s ability to maintain his physical health in the face of his grueling training regimen. Despite establishing himself as one of the most promising young talents on the circuit, Alcaraz’s brutal training regimen could have a lasting negative impact on his future.
Connors recently expressed doubts about Alcaraz’s ability to maintain his physical health in the face of his intense work ethic. In the podcast, the American added, “This is the time he should take advantage of being fit and young.”
Jimmy Connors on Alcaraz: “This is the time he should take advantage of being fit & young. But he puts strain on his body..how he moves & goes after every ball. I identify with that, just like Nadal can..If Carlos is facing that now, what will it be like a few years on the road?” pic.twitter.com/XI0MMYsek6
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 10, 2023
Connors explained that Alcaraz puts strain on his body with his play on the court. He also added,” I identify with that, just like (Rafael) Nadal can. If Carlos is facing that now, what will it be like a few years down the road?”
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Alcaraz often works out in the early hours of the morning and reportedly pushes himself to the limit in every training session, much like his idol, Rafael Nadal, who is also known for his grueling training regimen. The Spanish teenager has spoken openly about his admiration for Nadal and his desire to replicate his success.
Alcaraz’s former coach was once annoyed over the comparisons
Juan Carlos Ferrero, the coach of Alcaraz, expressed his dissatisfaction with comparisons being made between Alcaraz and Nadal in 2021. Ferrero believed that such comparisons would only add unnecessary pressure on the young player. He praised Alcaraz’s game and mentality, but expressed confidence in his potential to establish his own identity and leave his mark on the sport.
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Ferrero also spoke highly of Nadal’s competitive spirit and his desire to continue competing for the biggest honors in tennis. He emphasized that Alcaraz should not replace the Spanish legend, but instead carve out his own path and achieve greatness in his own right.