Former world number one Carlos Alcaraz has had a decent year so far. He has won 6 ATP titles including his maiden Wimbledon trophy. However, Alcaraz has not been able to replicate his successful formula since then. This has prompted tennis legend Jimmy Connors to offer him a few words of advice, to effect a positive change in his game.
Alcaraz created history when he thwarted Novak Djokovic’s attempt at winning a record eighth title at SW19. It was a sensational battle, as the Serb threw all he had at the youngster, but Carlos proved to be too good. Alcaraz won the match 1–6, 7–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–4. This match also birthed the rivalry between the two players.
Since his historic victory, Alcaraz has not quite managed to find success on the tour. He even lost the number-one rank to Djokovic after crashing out of the US Open last month. Not only could Alcaraz not hold onto the top spot, he could not even defend his title at Flushing Meadows. Djokovic went all the way and won his 24th Grand Slam title.
Now, Connor feels that Alcaraz should not focus solely on Djokovic. The former player added that different players have different styles, and focusing only on one person will hamper him. “But he’s got to be careful doing that because then you’re preparing for only one guy,” he said (via Tennis World USA).
Carlos Alcaraz has been very open about his goals for the rest of the year- to overtake Novak as the world number one. However, his performances have not been on par to do that. The budding rivalry between the two has generated a lot of buzz of late. It remains to be seen if Carlos can make good on his words.
Carlos Alcaraz has not been successful since Wimbledon
This year’s Wimbledon championships was an extraordinary affair. There were many memorable matches, but none more than the final itself. Carlos was up against Novak, who had lifted the silverware at the Club four times in a row. He was eyeing a record eighth title, but Alcaraz had other plans.
Alcaraz’s Wimbledon win was hailed as the passing of the batons by many. However, in the months following his victory, Carlos has not won a single title.
The closest he came to looking like his formidable self was at the Cincinnati Open. Carlos faced off against Novak in the final once again, but the Serb did not let the Spaniard walk away with a win this time. It was Novak’s first tour in the US after two years, and he made it count.
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Carlos hoped to put his disappointing run during the North American hardcourt swing behind in China. The results have pretty much been the same. Jannik Sinner defeated him in the semifinal in Beijing, while Grigor Dimitrov eliminated him in the fourth round in Shanghai.
Carlos Alcaraz will hope to turn the tide in his favor. He will play in Basel, and follow it up with the ATP Finals at the end of the year.