Alcaraz’s Australian Open prep “a little bit unusual”, says Corretja
Not playing an official warm-up tournament might be unorthodox but it’s also not necessarily anything to worry about, says Corretja
Alex Corretja admits that compatriot Carlos Alcaraz’s preparation ahead of the Australian Open is out of the ordinary – but adds that it also underlines his confidence going into the first Grand Slam of the year.
“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,” Corretja 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, it was lack of matches’.”
While other leading players on the tour have headed to Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland for their warm-ups, the world No 2 opted to play an exhibition against Alex de Minaur – which the Australian edged, 6-4, 5-7, 10-3.