Just over a year since he became the youngest ever ATP world No.1, Carlos Alcaraz is bouncing back from the first mini-losing streak of his career.
The 20-year-old did not have the ideal leadup to the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, juggling injuries with the mental load of a long season on tour.
He lost back-to-back matches for the first time this year, and three matches in a row for the first time in more than two-and-half years – the first time ever at tour level.
Following the Spaniard’s opening round-robin match loss to Alexander Zverev at the ATP Finals, he has since revived his hopes for the title with his first-ever win at the prestigious event against Andrey Rublev.
After issues with his left foot and gluteal muscles, Alcaraz is once again enjoying the on-court repetitions he needs, according to high-performance coach Nicole Pratt.
“Being a young player, he is so used to accumulating volume on court and practices and taking a lot of confidence from that,” former world No.35 Pratt told The AO Show podcast.
“So, with these few little niggles that he has had, he probably hasn’t had that court time that he would usually use to setup and play these types of events.”
Alcaraz eased to a 7-5 6-2 victory over world No.5 Rublev, and proved he is getting back to some of his best tennis in Turin.
As the youngest player featured in an event exclusive to the world’s top eight men, the win is a major milestone for the Spanish superstar.
“You have to remember this is his first championships (at the ATP Finals).” Pratt said.
Alcaraz himself believes that his game is starting to build, and he will need it to be strong if he wants to remain alive against the so-far undefeated Daniil Medvedev.
“I will try to show my best and I will try to beat Medvedev,” Alcaraz said.
A fascinating battle awaits between the world No.2 and No.3, with both winning two matches in their head-to-head series.
“The last match he beat me playing at a high level, I will try to take that match in the US Open, and I will try to be better,” said second-ranked Alcaraz.