Body is already causing problems for the 20-year-old: riddles about tennis wonder Alcaraz

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The tennis world had hoped for a spectacular semi-final match in Paris, possibly for a changing of the guard. But then the cracker between Novak Djokovic (36) and Carlos Alcaraz (20) was overshadowed by the young Spaniard’s physical blackout. After the set equalizer, Alcaraz suddenly got a cramp. In the arm, in the legs, “then all over the body”, as he later explained with disappointment. The man, who amazes with his incredible strength and fitness, couldn’t take it anymore and eventually didn’t stand a chance (3:6, 7:5, 1:6, 1:6).

The immense “pressure” of the first two sentences had a negative effect on his body, he openly admitted.

It’s not the only insight the youngest No. 1 in the world’s history has taken away in recent months. In Paris, the mental level may have had a major impact on his performance. But his physique remains a problem. Not only because of his intense style of play, but also because at the age of 20 he is repeatedly slowed down by injuries.

Alcaraz has been struggling with muscle problems since Paris-Bercy last fall: since then he has had to cancel about half of the planned tournaments, or he was not on his strength. Sometimes it squeezed my thighs, sometimes my hand caused problems.

Alcaraz faces a dilemma

Last year’s US Open champion blames the spring’s injury susceptibility mainly to the “demanding schedule” with no long breaks. Martinez Cascales, one of his coaches, said: “For me, the first explanation is his very explosive style of play, which is often excessive in terms of the number of balls he chases in a rally.”

Alcaraz faces a dilemma in that regard: Martinez would like to see the youngster take it easy after injuries. On the other hand, his tempo playing is also “a very important quality”.

The fact that the Alcaraz team is still figuring out how to manage the cargo was also apparent in Paris. For example, on the days that Alcaraz does not play, sometimes deliberately do not hit a single ball. This has nothing to do with injuries, emphasizes head coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. And yet he says, “Sometimes we think it’s best for him to stay fresh or recover.”

search for the balance

Alcaraz admitted to Eurosport earlier this year that he didn’t always do everything right off the pitch: “I’m talking about breaks, supplements, good food and so on.” As a result, the subject also became relevant within his team.

In short: Camp number 2 in the world is working hard to keep the superstar injury-free and still as explosive as possible. And it also seems clear: once this equilibrium is fully found, Alcaraz would be rid of one of his otherwise barely existing weaknesses. And that makes it even more dangerous for the competition.

Source : Blick