"His body is wasted": Former Djokovic coach doesn't see Carlos Alcaraz maintaining same playing style for whole career
ATPThursday, 11 January 2024 at 00:00
Nikola
Pilic, former coach of Novak Djokovic, has shared his insights on the game of
Carlos Alcaraz, expressing reservations about the sustainability of the Spanish
player's playing style throughout his career. The seasoned Croatian coach
believes that while Alcaraz is the heir to the Big-3 legacy, he must make
long-term adjustments to ensure a lasting impact.
At the age
of 21, Carlos Alcaraz has already claimed victories at the 2022 US Open and the
2023 Wimbledon, alternating the world No. 1 spot with Novak Djokovic over the
past 18 months. Despite his remarkable achievements, the young Spanish
sensation has faced challenges, including injuries that have disrupted his
tournament schedule.
"When
Carlos Alcaraz won Madrid, I said that he was the de facto heir of the 'Big 3'.
But are you going to tell me that he will play for another 12 years like today?
He's strong, and he's a good player, like it. But, his body is wasted, that is
true. How many injuries has he had so far. Regardless, he plays great,” Nikola
Pilic said.
Alcaraz's Injuries
In 2022,
Alcaraz concluded his season by withdrawing in the midst of the quarterfinal
match at the Paris Masters, preventing his participation in the ATP Finals due
to injury. The recovery took longer than expected, resulting in his absence
from the 2023 Australian Open. He only commenced his season at the Argentina
Open in mid-February.
During the
same year, Alcaraz faced a defeat in the French Open semifinals against Novak
Djokovic. Despite putting up a strong performance in the first two sets, he
ultimately succumbed to evident physical discomfort, preventing him from
continuing the competition. Towards the end of 2023, he also had to withdraw
from the Basel Open to ensure optimal conditions for the Paris-Bercy and Finals
tournaments.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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