Carlos Alcaraz was out for four months between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023. The 19-year-old Spaniard had torn his abs during the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000, having to miss the ATP Finals in Turin and the finals of Davis Cup in Malaga.
A further joke came in the first days of the new year, when he seemed all ready for his return to the circuit. ‘Carlitos’ injured his leg in training and was unable to participate in the 2023 Australian Open, handing over the first position in the ATP ranking to Novak Djokovic.
The Iberian’s seasonal debut took place on the red clay of Buenos Aires, where Alcaraz claw his seventh career title despite not expressing the best tennis of him. Juan Carlos Ferrero’s protégé will have to defend many points in the coming months and it won’t be easy for him to handle the pressure either.
In the latest edition of the ‘Inside-In’ podcast, well-known commentator Geoffrey Chizever analyzed the Murciano’s recent performances.
Geoffrey Chizever praises Alcaraz
“I forgot how much we missed Carlos Alcaraz’s smile and the athleticism and the shot-making.
When we saw him in Buenos Aires against Cam Norrie,” he said. “This is one of those sports where, when you lose the rhythm and you’re off for a long time (it’s hard to make a comeback),” he said.
“Alexander Zverev three (wins) and five (losses) since his recovery from the ankle injury. We are talking about different injuries but (still),” he said. Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his title at the Argentina Open, is just two wins away from his second title in as many weeks, reaching the semifinals of the Rio Open.
“I think I’m playing at a high level. I don’t know if compared to last year but I’m happy with the level I’m showing. These are different times. Last year I was at a great level, which I showed by winning Rio, winning Miami, winning certain tournaments,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
“I think the level I have now can obviously be improved, but I’m very happy with the level I’m playing with. But right now I’m at a very good level physically and I’m playing very tough and demanding matches day after day and that keeps me very happy after so much time away from the circuit,” Alcaraz said.
“I think we have shown a high level physically and mentally, as well as in blows. I am very happy to have been able to solve the problems and to advance to the round in Rio.”
