Carlos Alcaraz, World No. 3 and a four-time Grand Slam champion, has faced scrutiny over his decision to play exhibition matches during the off-season in the United States. Critics, including Andy Roddick and John Isner, suggested that participating in these events could impact his performance at the Australian Open, with Isner warning of backlash if Alcaraz were to exit early in Melbourne.
Alcaraz began December with matches against Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden and Frances Tiafoe in Charlotte, North Carolina, before taking a holiday and resuming pre-season training in Spain. This came after Alcaraz expressed dissatisfaction with the demanding tennis calendar and called for fewer tournaments.
Mats Wilander, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, defended Alcaraz, emphasizing the benefits of playing single-match exhibitions in iconic venues like Madison Square Garden. Wilander described such events as inspiring experiences rather than taxing obligations, asserting that they would not hinder Alcaraz’s preparation.
Alcaraz is skipping warm-up tournaments ahead of the Australian Open, where he aims to achieve the Career Grand Slam, potentially becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to do so. Last year, he reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne before losing to Alexander Zverev.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
WLWLLWLWWW Ranked world no.3, the Spaniard played his last match on the 19th of November when he overcame world no.40 Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0) 6-3 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Currently, during this season Carlos has an overall 54-13 win-loss record. Carlos conquered 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Alcaraz got to the final in Paris.
Carlos Alcaraz will face the world no.364 Gabi Adrian Boitan in the . They have never competed against each other as of now in top competitions.
Alcaraz conquered 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. The Spaniard was the finalist in Paris (Olympics).
Carlos won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 8 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Carlos Alcaraz |
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