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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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