Carlos Alcaraz Plays Pain-Free at Madrid Open but Struggles with Forehand Trust

Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion at the Madrid Open, is facing some challenges despite playing pain-free after an arm injury. The 20-year-old, who recently won the Indian Wells title and reached the quarterfinals at the Miami Open, injured his right forearm during a practice session in Monaco, causing him to miss the Monte Carlo and Barcelona tournaments. Despite his comeback in Madrid, Alcaraz admits to having doubts about his forehand game.

Under the guidance of his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz has made adjustments to his playing style, especially when it comes to his forehand. He mentions that he questions how his arm will react when hitting the ball hard and that he still lacks complete trust in his forearm. Alcaraz acknowledges that he used to rely on pushing his forehand to the limit during matches but is now working on playing with a more relaxed hand, as advised by his coach.

While Alcaraz feels satisfied with his movement on the court and the overall state of his game, he admits that he needs time to overcome the doubts in his mind regarding his forehand. He acknowledges that these thoughts are affecting his performance and that he is trying to work through them to regain full confidence in his playing abilities. Alcaraz emphasizes the importance of letting go of these doubts in order to compete at his best.

Despite his struggles with trust in his forehand, Alcaraz remains focused on his goal of seeking a third consecutive trophy in Madrid and preparing for the upcoming French Open. He is scheduled to face Jan-Lennard Struff in the next round, setting the stage for a rematch of last year’s title clash. Alcaraz will continue to work on building trust in his forehand and fine-tuning his game to maintain his competitive edge on the clay courts.

Carlos Alcaraz’s journey at the Madrid Open highlights the mental challenges that athletes face when dealing with injuries and doubts about their abilities. By addressing his concerns and working closely with his coach, Alcaraz is determined to overcome these obstacles and continue his success on the tennis circuit. With his resilience and commitment to improvement, Alcaraz remains a formidable force to watch out for in the upcoming tournaments.