In an era where tennis players often work out their frustration by breaking their own racket, it’s hard to see new talent heading in a different direction. But there is always the exception to the rule, and that happens, at least for now, with the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz.
The youthful tennis player has reached the ATP circuit with great force, and at only 19 years old he already knows what it is to win a Grand Slam title and be number one in the world. But how does he manage to maintain his composure on court? «I was a player, when I was little, who got very frustrated.
It is true that in my professional career I have broken very few or no rackets, but when I was little I was a player who threw the racket a lot. I realized that you don’t get anywhere with that. You have to control yourself. I have always said that you play first against yourself and then against your rival; If you don’t control yourself, you won’t be able to win the match”, commented the second in the ATP ranking.
«I take it that way. Breaking the racket doesn’t help much, or so I think. I try to control myself in each game and at each moment: that helps you to continue in the game well and try to come back. I think that throwing the racket, nowadays, is not very useful», added the Murcian.
Much of that credit comes courtesy of Spanish coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has served as a mentor to this great generational talent. And boy, did it work. Do you think there should be a strong punishment for players who break their racket on the court? The former world No.
1 defeated compatriot Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-2, 6-2 in Friday’s semifinal.
Alcaraz is very happy
Carlos Alcaraz further highlighted the importance of reaching the final of the Argentina Open 2023. «It’s a really special moment for me,» Alcaraz said after the semifinal, according to ATP.
«I was a bit down after the injury, so I had to get my confidence and rhythm back in those four months. Coming back for my first tournament of 2023 and reaching the final is very special for me.» Alcaraz and Norrie have met four times on tour thus far, with Alcaraz holding a 3-1 lead in their head-to-head record.
