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"He doesn't seem to care": Adriano Panatta slates Carlos Alcaraz, says he has 'gone a step back' after Zverev loss
ATPSaturday, 27 January 2024 at 23:30
Former French Open champion Adriano Panatta criticized the current state of Carlos Alcaraz after his elimination in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open against Alexander Zverev. The 73-year-old Italian analyzed the Spanish player's current situation in his podcast 'La Telefonata,' alongside his friend and fellow former tennis player Paolo Bertolucci.
Alcaraz entered the tournament as the second seed but, without shining as in previous performances, reached the quarterfinals only to be defeated by world No. 6 Alexander Zverev, who dominated the match from start to finish, securing his spot in the semifinals.
Panatta expressed his opinion that Alcaraz is not at the same physical or mental level as before, noting changes in his attitude that may be affecting his performance: 'Alcaraz hasn't evolved, but he's gone a step back. He has a rather bizarre attitude on the court. I don't see him as determined as he was two years ago. He laughs, he jokes, he doesn't seem to care,' he claimed.
“I don't know what's wrong with him but, in my opinion, he has yet to decide what kind of player he is. In terms of his head, he is behind. Sinner is another category and is of the same cloth as Djokovic," added Panatta.
Alcaraz's post-Australian Open plans
2-times Grand Slam champion will take a couple of weeks off before resuming his campaign on the South American clay-court swing. He is set to return on February at the Buenos Aires Open, where he claimed the title last year. Following his stint in Argentina, Alcaraz will compete in the ATP 500 Rio Open, seeking to improve on last year's runner-up finish against Cam Norrie.
Post the Brazilian tournament, Alcaraz will swiftly head to the United States to prepare for the 'Sunshine Double,' defending his titles at Indian Wells and his semifinal appearance at the Miami Open.
While Alcaraz had a chance to surpass Novak Djokovic and reclaim the world No. 1 ranking, his early exit in the quarterfinals has put his position in jeopardy. If Daniil Medvedev defeats Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final, the Russian will secure the No. 2 spot, causing Alcaraz to drop one position. If Sinner emerges victorious, Alcaraz will maintain his No. 2 ranking, although the gaps between the top four players will narrow, just ahead of a significant points defense for Alcaraz.
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