Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion at the Madrid Open, revealed that despite being pain-free from an arm injury, he is still battling doubts about his forehand. The 20-year-old player, who recently successfully defended his Indian Wells title, expressed concerns about how his arm will react when hitting a hard forehand. This mental block, as advised by his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, has led Alcaraz to adjust his playing style slightly. The lack of complete trust in his forearm has altered his approach to the game, making him hesitant to go all out on his shots.
Learning to Play Differently
According to Alcaraz, the uncertainty surrounding his forehand has forced him to play differently on the court. His coach’s advice to have a relaxed hand while hitting the ball has led him to change his aggressive playing style. Alcaraz admitted that he used to push his forehand to the extreme in matches, but he now understands that he doesn’t need to exert himself to that extent. This shift in mindset has impacted his game, making him feel like he is not playing at full capacity. The young Spaniard recognizes that he needs time to overcome these doubts and regain confidence in his shots.
Striving for Improvement
Despite the mental challenges he is facing, Alcaraz mentioned that he is satisfied with his overall performance and movement on the court. However, he acknowledged that he still has a long way to go to eliminate the lingering doubts in his mind. As he aims for a third consecutive title at the Madrid Open and looks ahead to the French Open next month, Alcaraz understands the importance of overcoming his mental hurdles. His upcoming match against Jan-Lennard Struff will serve as a test of his ability to set aside his doubts and play with confidence.
Carlos Alcaraz’s journey at the Madrid Open is not just about physical prowess but also about mental strength. The internal battle he is fighting with his forehand confidence highlights the psychological aspect of professional tennis. As he navigates through this period of uncertainty, Alcaraz’s willingness to adapt his game and seek guidance from his coach demonstrates his determination to improve. The outcome of his match against Struff will reveal whether he has successfully managed to silence the doubts in his mind and unleash his full potential on the court.
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