World number two Carlos Alcaraz did not participate in any official tournament, only playing exhibition matches before the first Grand Slam of the year starts on January 14.
Alcaraz extended his training at coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s academy last week. He only flew to Melbourne on January 8 to get used to the conditions at the Australian Open. Coach Ferrero recently had knee surgery and did not accompany his student. Leading Alcaraz in Melbourne next week will be Samuel Lopez, coach of Pablo Carreno Busta, who is on a long-term leave of absence due to injury.
Alcaraz practices at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on January 9. Photo: Tennis Australia
Alcaraz trained with Casper Ruud in Australia for the first time. He will then play exhibition matches against Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev, before starting his Australian Open campaign. The matches will be played at the main court of Rod Laver Arena to raise money for Australian children's charity. World number one Novak Djokovic will also play an exhibition match against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the same venue.
The Australian Open has not been a lucky Grand Slam for Alcaraz. He missed last year due to injury and was eliminated in the third round in 2022 and the third round in 2021.
"The Grand Slams and Masters 1000s are still my top priorities this year," Alcaraz said in an interview on January 8 in Spain. "I'm also excited to represent Spain at the Olympics in Paris. Obviously this year's clay court season is very special for me. That will be one of my priorities."
Alcaraz won the 2022 US Open and 2023 Wimbledon. He is one of the most successful tennis players in history before the age of 20. "Last season was a special season where I felt like I had matured," Alcaraz added. "But I'm still growing. Right now I'm probably only at 75% of my potential. I have a lot to improve, both physically and mentally."
Alcaraz is the second seed at the 2024 Australian Open. He will find out his first-round opponent after the draw takes place on the afternoon of January 11. The first Grand Slam of the year takes place from January 14-28.
Vy Anh
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