Wimbledon 2024: Defending Champion Carlos Alcaraz Plays It Safe as He Limits Practice Ahead of Marquee Event

Carlos Alcaraz is not a person to cry over spilled milk. While he had to accept his defeat on London’s grass court this season already, he is trying hard not to repeat the instances in the British Grand Slam tour. As his favorite major tour is still some time away, the Roland Garros champion is refraining from “playing any exhibitions”  to keep a bird’s eye on the trophy.

A reliable tennis fan has shared an update about Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz’s current status after Thursday’s defeat at Queen’s Club. “Carlos practiced with Dimitrov today. Plans to rest tomorrow and doesn’t plan on playing any exhibitions. Ferrero will join him and will continue to play practice sets this week”- tweeted the fan on their X platform. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz lost his Cinch Open title to Britain’s Jack Draper by 6(3)-7 and 3-6. This loss surely shattered the Roland Garros 2024 champion since for the first time he was dealing with his grasscourt misery since 2022.

Now, ahead of the upcoming Wimbledon tour, Alcaraz is trying to not lose his focus on the British Grand Slam tour by playing any exhibition matches. Alcaraz’s practice sessions with Bulgarian ATP star Grigor Dimitrov might prove helpful for the Spaniard given Dimitrov’s fondness about the grass surface.

Despite facing a heartbreak at Queen’s Club, Alcaraz chose to be practical and wise. “Of course it’s tough to deal with the losses, but I think it’s part of our lives,”- said the reigning Wimbledon champion. Humble Alcaraz further credited Draper for his amazing performance and continued to show a motivational perspective about his defeat. “We have to [deal with it] as good as you can. After the losses, you have to take the positive things and of course the negative things just to improve to the next tournament.“- he said.

Alcaraz might be disappointed with his Cinch Open defeat but Wimbledon is surely his priority now. More importantly, this was his first Grand Slam title in his professional career. He believed that “the best way to be better on grass is to stay here” and practice with players on the grass surface, practice movements, and specific strokes. He took his dedication to the next step and decided to not return to Spain when he could have done so before Wimbledon. “In Spain or at my home, we don’t have grass courts or really grass places just to practise.”- he said.

Nevertheless, Alcaraz’s hunger for another Grand Slam title is clearly shown by his hard work. More than that, his statements reveal his intense emotions for the tournament, he has dreamt of winning since he was a kid. While Wimbledon is a dream factor, Alcaraz kept his motivation grounded by relying on improvements on the court.

Carlos Alcaraz feels “hungry just to be better” 

Ahead of Wimbledon, where the Spaniard ATP star will be a defending champion, the tennis fraternity is intrigued to know how Alcaraz is prepping for it. However, in a press conference post-defeat, this Roland Garros champion showcased a humble attitude. “Right now I’m hungry just to be better, to practise, and that’s all I have to do,”- he said.

However, he also expressed his desire to win Wimbledon- “I’m really excited to start Wimbledon. Of course I really want to win every title that I [play for], and I think Wimbledon is even more special. So, as I said, I have time, and excited to start the first match on Centre Court.”

Carlos Alcaraz’s statement followed up by his decision to keep an eye on the Wimbledon trophy has excited fans with the possibility of seeing the Spanard lift another trophy in London this year. Despite winning or losing, such a humble and focused attitude makes Alcaraz a great tennis player at such a young age.