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