“I haven’t touched a racquet since Wimbledon” – Alcaraz still euphoric as he readies for Hopman Cup debut
The Spaniard debuts in the Hopman Cup this Friday with his countrywoman Rebeka Masarova. In singles, he will face former top 10 player David Goffin
Carlos Alcaraz at the 2023 Hopman Cup
Image Credit: Hopman Cup
The press room was full this morning just after 10:30 AM to welcome Carlos Alcaraz, champion at Wimbledon just five days ago. Flashing a big smile, as we have become accustomed to seeing on his face since last Sunday, the Spanish prodigy appears ready to compete in the Hopman Cup. For their first tie of the competition, Spain faces Belgium and David Goffin will be the opponent for Alcaraz.
“I’m a little tired, I’m not going to lie to you. I had a few days of rest to recover some energy. Today I feel very good,” reassured the 20-year-old world No 1.
The question arises even more after Holger Rune‘s performances after the first two days of competition. The Dane, a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon, lost all four of his matches (singles and mixed doubles) and did not win a single set. According to several Danish media outlets, Rune has injuries in the back and wrist, information that has been confirmed by his mother and manager, Aneke Rune.
The trend is not towards injury for Alcaraz, who plans to give it his best: “I will play. I will try to give the best of myself, to have fun on the field. I hope people will appreciate it,” said the man who has not played on clay since his loss at Roland-Garros, in the semi-finals against Novak Djokovic.
Rest but no tennis since the London consecration
It would be wrong for those who know Carlos Alcaraz to think that he went to celebrate his title at Wimbledon in a nightclub. The Spaniard was content to rest with his family and friends: “I had to do a lot of things on Monday morning and then at home, I prefer to stay relaxed with my friends and family. You know, I’m calm, I prefer to laugh with my friends.” He did the same after his victory at the US Open in 2022, his first Grand Slam title.
Since his victory on Sunday on Wimbledon Centre Court, the Spaniard has not returned to training which could make the grass-clay transition tricky: “Honestly, I haven’t touched a racquet since Wimbledon. I will resume training today,” confirmed Alcaraz who will play his match against Goffin at 6 PM local time.
He will have to be wary of David Goffin who beat him last year in Nur-Sultan, on hardcourts in straight sets. The context will be very different this Friday as will the surface. The two men have never squared off on clay.
“I am very happy to be here!!”
The Hopman Cup will be able to boast of having convinced Carlos Alcaraz to play in mixed doubles for the first time in his career. Partnered with Rebeka Masarova, the kid from El Pamar is excited about the format: “I wanted to be here, to play this tournament which is magnificent. We are not used to playing mixed doubles, in a mixed tournament. I feel very good and I’m really happy and excited to start here.”
This exhibition tournament is ultimately only a preparation for the next goals of Carlos Alcaraz, on hardcourt: “I focus on Toronto. It’s a Masters 1000, a very important tournament. As I’ve always said, I come to every tournament thinking I’m going to win it and believing I can win it. Right now, I’m focusing on Toronto and Cincinnati.” He will be in Toronto from August 7 to 13 and then in Cincinnati from August 13 to 20 before focusing on the last huge challenge of his season: “The main goal is the US Open,” said Alcaraz, who is the defending champion at Flushing Meadows.
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