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
Carlos Alcaraz in an exhibition match in December 2023 (Zuma/Panoramic)
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.
