"I have to think a lot more about my movement": Alcaraz admits needing to adapt game to fit grass as Queen's bid begins

Carlos Alcaraz said that he still needs time to adapt to grass, just before his debut in the 2023 Queen's Club Championships.

After reaching the semifinals of the French Open, Carlos Alcaraz will start the grass season this week at the Queen's Club tournament. The Spaniard lost the top spot in the rankings to Novak Djokovic and will be playing only his third professional tournament on grass.

“I arrived yesterday morning and had my first practice on the grass yesterday” Alcaraz said.

“I wasn’t able to practice too much at home - we have no grass courts, so it’s been a bit difficult to adapt the movement and the shots on the grass but I’m really happy with the practice I’ve had here so far (at the Queen’s Club).”

“After the French Open I had four days off to rest a little bit and turn my mind off. I picked up a racket and practiced for three days back at home but that was on a hard court. I tried to make similar movements on the hard courts that you’d make on the grass but obviously it’s never the same.”

“The most difficult part of playing on grass is being able to move well. You have to be more careful than on the other surfaces; but the most comfortable thing for me is being able to go to the net and play more aggressive all the time.

“That side is similar to the other surfaces so playing that style is comfortable and natural for me - I really like it.”

“There are a lot of players who slide on grass and I’m not one of them, so I have to think a lot more about my movement and be really focused on every move and every shot I make.

“It can be more tiring because you’re constantly moving - it’s totally different to the other surfaces and I have to put in a specific type of work to get ready for it.”

If Carlos Alcaraz becomes the champion this week in London, he could reclaim the world No. 1 ranking, as Novak Djokovic will not be competing until Wimbledon. The Spanish player's debut will be against qualifier Arthur Fils, and in the second round, he could potentially face the winner of the match between Jiri Lehecka and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.