Former world No 2 Alex Corretja has labelled Carlos Alcaraz’s decision not to play a tournament in preparation for the 2024 Australian Open as “a little bit unusual.”
The two-time French Open runner-up feels, though, that the move illustrates Alcaraz’s “confidence in himself” and backed his countryman to “find his rhythm” as the tournament goes on.
Alcaraz opted to play exhibition matches instead of a warm-up tournament in the form of an ATP Tour event or the United Cup ahead of the year’s first major.
Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner also chose not to play any events prior to the Australian Open, while world No 1 Novak Djokovic competed at the United Cup.
The world No 2 was beaten 4-6, 7-5, 3-10 by 10th-ranked Alex de Minaur in an exhibition clash on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday.
Alcaraz will be the second seed at the 2024 Australian Open, which begins on Sunday January 14, having missed the 2023 edition due to a leg injury.
The 20-year-old Spaniard has made monumental strides since last competing at the Melbourne Grand Slam in 2022, when he was beaten in five sets by Matteo Berrettini in the third round.
Corretja discussed Alcaraz’s strategy to prepare for the year’s first major and suggested his draw will play a role in finding his rhythm in early matches.
“It’s a little bit unusual not to play any tournament before the Australian Open but I think as the tournament goes on, Carlos will find his rhythm,” the Spaniard told Eurosport.
“They’re hoping to have a draw where he can face players and the rhythm that he’s been missing in the last few weeks, because he hasn’t played.
“At the same time, that shows a lot of confidence in himself – just showing up first tournament of the year, playing at a Grand Slam. If he does well they would say, ’oh it was great preparation’, if he doesn’t do well they would say, ‘oh he was lack of matches’.
“You need to go with your heart. Whatever you feel is better for your game, because you never know what the right answer is until you don’t play the tournament. But if this was the plan before the season, I think it’s a good decision.”
The former ATP Finals champion also feels Rafael Nadal will look to play again as soon as he recovers from his injury setback in Brisbane last week.
“In my opinion, Rafa wants to play now. I think as soon as he’s ready again physically, if he’s healthy, it would be good to try again and see where he is. It’s not just about his game, it’s also about his body, about his mind. It’s a big of a combination right now,” Corretja added.
A high quality tune-up for two of the game’s brightest young talents.@alexdeminaur defeats @carlosalcaraz 6-4 5-7 [10-3] in their exhibition match-up.
More of this please and thank-you!#AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/RfGj7RXSAR
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 10, 2024
“I think once he’s recovered from the injury, I don’t think he’s going to wait two more months to come back to the tour, because he’s been out for such a long time. I don’t see him wondering again, or thinking ‘I want to practise’ [instead].”
Alcaraz shared a message of support for Nadal on Instagram after the 37-year-old’s withdrawal from the Australian Open: “We are waiting for you at the next tournament Rafa! Get well soon!”
