Carlos Alcaraz is determined to keep away from placing himself in ‘hassle’ with accidents forward of the Madrid Open, which is happening this week. The Spaniard has been nursing a proper arm harm as of late, with the issue forcing him to overlook the Monte-Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open.
Alcaraz is about to face both Arthur Rinderknech or Alexander Shevchenko in his first match on the Madrid Open, having obtained a bye to the second spherical. Nonetheless, he expressed doubts over his health in a current press convention by hinting that he is perhaps unable to carry out at his best.
“There are nonetheless days till my first match, as we speak I educated extra intensely, issues are going effectively, I’ve good emotions,” stated Alcaraz. “I do not wish to rush, I do not wish to get into hassle with myself.
“I can not say I will play my 100 per cent as a result of I do not know, I do not take something with no consideration. Proper now, with the sentiments this morning and the mentality I’ve, I might be proud of taking part in three or 4 video games.”
Alcaraz may have the chance to change into the primary man to win three successive Madrid Open titles, having claimed the spoils in 2022 and 2023. Nonetheless, it stays to be seen if his harm considerations will danger derailing his efforts to realize the spectacular feat.
“I am not one to take a look at data however issues come to me ultimately, I can not escape from it,” stated Alcaraz when quizzed on his hopes of successful in Madrid for the third yr in a row.
“I strive to not pay a lot consideration to it, to not let it keep in my head. They’re very good issues that I can obtain. Clearly, placing my identify there, being the primary to realize that feat, could be one thing very particular. I strive not to concentrate to it and proceed daily.”
Alcaraz won’t have all the highlight on the Madrid Open, with compatriot Rafael Nadal additionally set to characteristic at this yr’s match. It has raised the prospect of each gamers assembly within the remaining in a situation Alcaraz would welcome with open arms.
“For me it is going to all the time imply one thing particular to play with Rafa,” he stated. “Of the three or 4 instances I’ve performed with him, two have been right here in Madrid, so for me it might be a pleasure to have the ability to share the court docket with him as soon as once more, despite the fact that I’m an opponent.
“Nothing is not possible. Possibly we’ll face one another within the remaining, who is aware of? That is tennis, something can occur, every match is completely different, however as a participant and talking for myself, who ultimately is my idol, in fact I might be excited to play towards him.”