Carlos Alcaraz warning issued ahead of ATP Finals: ‘He is an explosive player for great events’

Carlos Alcaraz has been identified as a major threat at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin, with Spanish tennis legend Alex Corretja expressing confidence in the young star’s potential to make a deep run. Corretja, a two-time French Open runner-up, believes the four-time Grand Slam champion will arrive at the prestigious event with a renewed sense of confidence, making him a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw.

The ATP Finals, which will take place from November 10 to 17, will mark Alcaraz’s second appearance at the year-end championship. In his debut in Turin last year, Alcaraz impressed by reaching the semifinals, only to be outplayed by an inspired Novak Djokovic. However, Corretja thinks this year’s version of Alcaraz is better prepared, having learned valuable lessons from his past experiences.

“Alcaraz is going to arrive in Turin at a great time,” Corretja told *Eurosport*. “Why? Because he has recently won some tournaments on a hard court, especially beating Sinner in the final [in Beijing], which always gives you a dose of confidence.” The victory over Jannik Sinner at the China Open last month was particularly significant. Alcaraz edged out the world No. 1 in a thrilling encounter, showcasing his exceptional talent, determination, and ability to thrive under pressure. The 21-year-old Spaniard’s triumph in Beijing was a reminder of why he is considered one of the most promising stars in the sport.

Corretja highlighted that Alcaraz’s path to the Finals has not been without its challenges. His performances at the Shanghai Masters and Paris Masters were less dominant, as he reached the quarterfinals in Shanghai and bowed out in the third round in Paris. Corretja explained that the faster court conditions in Paris may have posed difficulties for Alcaraz. “Although in Paris Bercy he did not play his best tennis, the court was a little faster than he likes it,” said Corretja. Despite these setbacks, the Spanish great believes that Alcaraz’s resilience and adaptability will serve him well in Turin.

Corretja is optimistic that Alcaraz will be “fresher” this time around, having learned how to better manage the demands of the ATP Tour. “In the ATP Finals, it is true that everything is very open, that the groups are very difficult and that everyone arrives very mentally saturated, somewhat physically affected,” Corretja acknowledged. “But I believe that Carlos has learned from the past and is going to arrive a little fresher than last season.”

The former world No. 2 also praised Alcaraz’s mental approach and knack for excelling in high-stakes matches. “I trust him, I think he is a happy, explosive player for great events, and the ATP Finals is one of them,” Corretja continued. “All the matches are big finals and all the matches are complicated, but at the same time are very tense and very motivating. In this, I believe that Alcaraz is a master. He is going to have a hard time like everyone else, but I give him chances. I don’t know if it will be this year, but I am convinced that at some point in his career he will triumph in one of these tournaments.”

Alcaraz’s explosive style of play, characterized by his powerful groundstrokes, quick footwork, and fearless approach, makes him a dangerous opponent in any setting. He is currently ranked third in the world and will enter the ATP Finals as the No. 3 seed. There is a possibility that he could be drawn into the same group as his rival Jannik Sinner, setting the stage for yet another captivating showdown between the two young stars. Their rivalry has become one of the most exciting narratives in tennis, with each encounter delivering drama and high-quality tennis.

As the tournament approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a fiercely competitive edition of the ATP Finals. Alcaraz’s journey in Turin will be closely watched, as fans and experts alike wonder if this could be the year he cements his status as a champion on one of the sport’s biggest stages. While Corretja and others believe in Alcaraz’s potential, the Spaniard himself remains focused on taking each match as it comes, knowing that the road to victory will be anything but easy. With a mix of youth, talent, and determination, Carlos Alcaraz is poised to make his mark in Turin—and perhaps even claim the ultimate prize.

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