NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz is feeling optimistic and healthier than anticipated following a four-month hiatus from tennis due to a right wrist injury. The young Spaniard made his comeback at the U.S. Open, where he successfully advanced to the fourth round, defeating Wu Yibing with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 on Friday.
After a challenging period on the sidelines, Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his physical condition, noting that he has experienced no setbacks during his matches. “It feels like I’ve been competing the whole time. So I surprise myself the way that I’m feeling and the way that I’m recovering after every match,” he remarked. His performance at the U.S. Open has demonstrated his resilience and ability to bounce back from injury.
Reflecting on his recent injury, which forced him to withdraw from the Barcelona Open earlier this year, Alcaraz clarified that the issue was not a result of overexertion. Instead, he plans to incorporate more breaks into his schedule next year, not for physical recovery, but to enhance his mental well-being. “I’m kind of a guy that doesn’t need to play a lot of tournaments,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy mindset.
Alcaraz elaborated on his philosophy regarding breaks, suggesting that they allow athletes to prepare mentally and physically for upcoming tournaments. “I just feel like you can have those moments of time to have a break, to prepare well for tournaments, to prepare well mentally,” he added.
In addition to his strategic approach to breaks, Alcaraz debuted a new look during his match, opting for a white shirt underneath his sleeveless top. He explained that the change was necessary as his previous shirt had been too revealing. “I think I saw my nipple too much lately,” he quipped, underscoring his lighthearted approach to the situation.
Alcaraz also introduced a new celebration inspired by his brothers, choosing to mimic shooting an arrow after winning points. “They made me choose to do the arrow or dancing, so I didn’t have any doubts about choosing the arrow,” he said, indicating that he may continue to evolve his on-court persona as the tournament progresses.
Last year, Alcaraz played an impressive 80 matches, finishing with a record of 22-3 and securing his seventh major title at the Australian Open. However, he, like many players, has voiced concerns about the demanding nature of the tennis season and the frequency of tournaments. Unlike some of his peers, Alcaraz is not burdened by ranking or financial pressures, allowing him the flexibility to prioritize his well-being.
“It is like it’s tournament after tournament after tournament, and you don’t feel like you are well-prepared coming to some tournaments,” he explained. His desire to take breaks is rooted in a wish to be fully prepared for significant events, such as Grand Slams and Masters 1000 tournaments.
Ultimately, Alcaraz believes that stepping back from the sport for longer periods will not only benefit him physically but also enhance his enjoyment of the game. “I just want to step on the court, have joy, have fun on the court,” he concluded. “That’s why I just want to have long breaks, because it’s impossible to last the whole season playing every tournament.”
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