Alcaraz Ankle Twist Raises Concerns, but Spaniard Remains Confident Ahead of US Open Bid
Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 US Open, rising Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz found himself faced with a potential setback after twisting his right ankle during a training session. Despite the scare, the 21-year-old assured reporters that he remains optimistic about his chances at the year's final Grand Slam tournament, determined to continue his quest for a third consecutive major title.Alcaraz Plays Down Ankle Injury, Focuses on Preparation for US Open Triumph
Alcaraz's Ankle Twist Sparks Concern, But Spaniard Remains Unfazed
The news of Alcaraz's ankle twist during a practice session on Saturday sent shockwaves through the tennis world, as the young phenom had emerged as one of the favorites to claim the US Open crown. However, the Spaniard was quick to downplay the incident, stating that he opted to cut short the session as a precautionary measure, rather than out of any significant concern."I think it is OK. I just stopped my practice just for precaution," Alcaraz said, emphasizing that he did not feel comfortable continuing the session, fearing the injury could worsen. Despite the setback, the third-seeded player expressed confidence that the issue would not jeopardize his participation in the tournament, noting that he expects to be "at 100%" in the coming days.
Alcaraz Eager to Overcome Lack of Hard-Court Preparation
While the ankle twist was a cause for concern, Alcaraz acknowledged that his preparation for the US Open has not been ideal, with the Spaniard having played just a single match on a hard court in the lead-up to the tournament. His loss to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open, during which he displayed his frustration by repeatedly destroying his racket, was a rare blemish on his record.However, Alcaraz dismissed any worries about the lack of hard-court matches, drawing inspiration from his previous Grand Slam triumphs at the French Open and Wimbledon, where he had limited preparation on the respective surfaces. "I don't want to think that it's going to be the same [as] the previous two Grand Slams," Alcaraz said with a confident smile, "but I'm not worried about not having too many matches on hard courts."
Alcaraz Reflects on Paris Olympics Disappointment, Vows to Learn from Experience
Alcaraz's preparation for the US Open has also been shaped by his recent experience at the Paris Olympics, where he suffered a heartbreaking loss to Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final. The Spaniard's emotional reaction, with tears flowing after the match, was a testament to his passion and dedication to representing his country."It was a difficult moment to deal [with] for me," Alcaraz admitted. However, he emphasized that he has since come to terms with the result, acknowledging Djokovic's deserved victory and the honor of winning the silver medal. Alcaraz vowed to learn from the experience, stating that he will handle future high-profile matches "in a different way, or a better way, than I did in the Olympics."As Alcaraz prepares to embark on his quest for a third consecutive Grand Slam title, his determination and resilience are on full display. Despite the minor ankle setback and the challenges in his preparation, the young phenom remains steadfast in his belief that he can overcome any obstacles and cement his place as one of the dominant forces in men's tennis.
