Carlos Alcaraz had to cut short his U.S. Open training session after twisting his right ankle, but the Spanish 21-year-old expressed confidence that the injury won’t hinder his performance in the upcoming Grand Slam tournament. He paused his practice as a precautionary measure, stating he wasn’t comfortable continuing in fear of aggravating the situation.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains optimistic about his participation in the U.S. Open. Focused on winning a third consecutive Slam title after victories at the French Open and Wimbledon, he expressed disappointment at losing valuable practice time. Alcaraz assured fans that he expects to be back at full strength soon.
Seeded third in the tournament, Alcaraz is set to face Australian Li Tu in his first-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night. Reflecting on his preparations, he admitted to a lack of hard-court matches leading up to the U.S. Open, including a recent loss to Gael Monfils in Cincinnati.
Although he acknowledges the less-than-ideal buildup, Alcaraz remains unfazed, pointing out similar scenarios before his triumphs at the French Open and Wimbledon. The young tennis star emphasized the importance of adapting to challenges and learning from past experiences to continue his success on the court.
Alcaraz also opened up about his emotional defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics, expressing regret for feeling as though he had let his country down. However, he later recognized the silver medal as a significant achievement and a source of pride, vowing to approach future matches with a stronger mindset and determination.
Amidst setbacks and victories, Carlos Alcaraz is determined to overcome challenges and continue his ascent in the world of tennis.