Carlos Alcaraz, the rising tennis sensation, has garnered attention not only for his remarkable talent but also for concerns raised by former professionals regarding his physical well-being and playing style.
Former world No 3 and seasoned player, Nikolay Davydenko, cautioned about potential long-term physical repercussions for the young Spanish prodigy due to early injuries and an intense playing approach. Alcaraz faced setbacks, missing events like the ATP Finals and the Australian Open in 2022 due to injuries, including an abdominal muscle tear and a right leg issue.
While the 20-year-old managed to evade major injuries since then, minor concerns regarding his left foot and lower back prompted him to skip the Swiss Indoors in Basel last October. Despite these setbacks, Alcaraz delivered a stellar season, securing six titles and a formidable 65-12 (84.4%) win record, culminating in an impressive world No 2 ranking.
His triumph at Wimbledon, where he defeated Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set final, marked a pinnacle in his career. However, post-Wimbledon, Alcaraz’s performance saw a downturn. He struggled to claim another title and reached just one final in the eight subsequent tournaments. Observers speculated that fatigue, stemming from his intense and explosive style of play, might have contributed to this late-season dip.
“First of all, you need to run and not get tired, and then play on the other side of the court,” said Davydenko, outlining the emphasis on physical fitness over tennis skills in the Spanish tennis school, echoing concerns about the potential impact on Alcaraz’s career longevity.
Davydenko’s observations also drew comparisons to the experiences of another Spanish tennis icon, Rafael Nadal, known for his relentless playing style. Nadal, despite his illustrious career, has often struggled with fatigue and injuries, particularly in the latter part of seasons.
“Alcaraz is very strange. Why is this happening? Because in the Spanish school of tennis, there is very serious physical activity,”
– Nikolay DavydenkoDavydenko, a former ATP Finals champion himself, pointed out the difficulties faced by Nadal in tournaments like the ATP Finals and Masters 1000 events, underscoring the physical challenges associated with the demanding calendar.
Having retired in 2014 after a successful career, Davydenko’s insights into the physical toll of professional tennis carry weight. His observations shed light on concerns surrounding Alcaraz’s longevity and the need to balance athleticism with preserving the body to sustain a flourishing career in the sport.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2023
Currently ranked no.2, Carlos played his last match on the 18th of November when he capitulated to world no.1 Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-2 in the semifinal in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
Presently, during this year the Spaniard has achieved a 65-12 match record. Alcaraz conquered 6 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Wimbledon. The Spaniard got to the final in Rio de Janeiro and Cincinnati.
Carlos Alcaraz |
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