Wimbledon 2024: Carlos Alcaraz Follows Novak Djokovic to Finally Clear the Air on His ‘Pain’ and Injury Status

Carlos Alcaraz has successfully battled through another challenge with a smile! With his ongoing success on-court this season, the Spaniard is ready to take it a step further. Be it winning the French Open or battling despite his arm injury, the Spaniard has proved his resilience both on and off the court, just like his on-court rival, Novak Djokovic. When a knee injury halted the Serbian’s dominance on-court, he took it as a challenge and also came through. Adding to the anticipation, Alcaraz’s latest update on his injury has ignited new hope among tennis fans!

Appearing for an interview with Marca ahead of Wimbledon, the 21-year-old exuded confidence as he said, “I’m here to achieve the same result as last year. I feel like I no longer have an injury, that I can hit him freely. I can hit 100% without thinking about it. We have done a great job of it. The ground season has been difficult, but I have no longer felt any pain.”

Alcaraz has not had it easy this year. It all began in Miami earlier this season when he injured his right wrist during a practice session. Therefore, the Spaniard was unable to achieve the Sunshine Doubles and had to go home disappointed after a quarterfinal clash in Miami. Unfortunately, bad luck was not ready to leave him as he withdrew from the Monte Carlo, the Italian, and the Barcelona Open due to his injury. However, after a quarterfinal exit from the Madrid Open, the Spaniard came in full rhythm to Paris and showed his prowess on clay. 

This is a result of the rigorous training and treatment (of his muscle edema pronator teres) prior to his French Open run. After all, he wanted to be “100% pain-free,” as he stated earlier. Thankfully, the day has come, and the former number 1 is now preparing to play against World No. 262 Mark Lajal in his opening Wimbledon clash. However, his last year’s rival, Djokovic, is looking for vengeance. 

The seven-time Wimbledon champion, who suffered from a knee injury and had surgery before coming to Wimbledon, has already won his exhibition match against Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic, who previously admitted that he only wanted to play if he overcame his injury, said, “I can tell you that pain-free tennis is the best tennis. I was pain free and I’m really glad. It was a great test, obviously against one of the best players in the world.”

As both of them prepare to go ahead on their journey, Carlos Alcaraz has his goals set straight for this season in London.

Carlos Alcaraz wants to remain “focused” on his goal to defend his Wimbledon title this season!

The three-time Grand Slam Champion, Carlos Alcaraz, has already made history in this sport by winning a major on all three surfaces! However, the former U.S. Open, showcasing his humble nature, does not want to bask in the glory of his previous year’s performance.

Wondering why? Well, according to him, “It’s special to be here as the defending champion, I’m trying to be really focused, take myself away from those emotions, not thinking about last year’s run, so I can do it again.” 

Switching from clay courts to grass courts has not been entirely smooth for World No. 3. After all, his Queen’s Club Championships tournament (his first grass-court event this season) ended in the Round of 16 against Jack Draper. Nevertheless, the former champion of that event (2023) has not lost morale. Vying for his 4th Grand Slam, Carlos Alcaraz is entering Wimbledon with his ‘A’ game on-court!