Former World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will enter the 2024 Australian Open without playing any warm-up events, a fact that shows the Spaniard's confidence in his abilities, says former player Alex Corretja.
With the Australian Open set to kick off on Sunday, January 14, several tennis players have used the warm-up events in Brisbane, Auckland and Adelaide as preparation for the first Grand Slam of the season. However, Alcaraz opted not to participate in any of these events, instead playing an exhibition match against Australian Alex De Minaur.
Lack of warm-up matches before a Major is unusual, according to Corretja
"It’s a little bit unusual not to play any tournament before the Australian Open but I think as the tournament goes on, Carlos will find his rhythm,” said Corretja in an appearance on Eurosport. "They’re hoping to have a draw where he can face players and the rhythm that he’s been missing in the last few weeks, because he hasn’t played.
“At the same time, that shows a lot of confidence in himself – just showing up first tournament of the year, playing at a Grand Slam. If he does well, they would say, ‘Oh, it was great preparation’; if he doesn’t do well, they would say, ‘Oh, it was lack of matches’.”
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A high quality tune-up for two of the game's brightest young talents.
@alexdeminaur defeats @carlosalcaraz 6-4 5-7 [10-3] in their exhibition match-up.
More of this please and thank-you!
#AusOpen • #AO2024