Chris OddoNovember 14, 20263 minute read
Carlos Alcaraz is playing some of his best tennis of the season, and he believes that the trend will continue as he takes the court to chase his first ATP Finals title next week in Turin. Speaking in his pre-tournament press conference (available below), the Spaniard says there is no reason to be overly concerned about the tape spotted on his right knee during practice at the ATP Finals in Turin.
The World No. 1, who will carry a ten-match winning streak into the season-ending championships, told reporters on Friday that the issue is simply a byproduct of a demanding stretch of tennis.
“I’ve been playing a lot of matches in not too many days, and really demanding, physically demanding matches, which, you know, there are some problems that came up, which is normal, I would say, for a tennis player,” Alcaraz said.
“And right now, just taking care of it. Just precaution. Right now, I’m feeling good, and I’m just gonna try to still take care of it.”
Alcaraz has won 17 of his last 18 matches since returning from a four-and-a-half-month absence at the US Open. The six-time major champion has played 23 matches in a little over two months, and appears to be hitting his stride at just the right time.
Another storyline in Turin is Alcaraz’s impending reunion with former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who is now working with American Ben Shelton. Alcaraz called seeing Ferrero in Turin a “weird” experience.
“It’s been a really long time without seeing him,” he said. But I’m excited, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him, talking to him.”
Alcaraz is confident that his former mentor will have a significant impact on Shelton’s development.
“I think he’s gonna do a great job with Ben. He’s gonna do great things for Ben’s game,” he said. “I’m really excited and looking forward to seeing him in Ben’s box, coaching him, and seeing what his improvements are gonna be as a player because of Juanki.”
Most of all, Alcaraz is looking forward to reconnecting with a man that has played such a massive role in his rise to all-world status.
“Really looking forward to seeing him here, and talking to him, and being with him, and giving him a really big hug,” he said.
That hug happened on Saturday as Shelton and Alcaraz practiced and “Juanki” spent some time with his former charge.
Shelton, meanwhile, says the pair have already spent a few days together on court in Turin, but their more detailed work will begin during the offseason.
“We’re not trying to change too much right now in the last tournament of the year,” Shelton said. “But it’s great to have another tennis mind giving their thoughts and opinions, especially in a tournament like this, where you have to be playing exceptional tennis to win matches here, playing against the best of the best.”
“So, yeah, that’s been fun to start.”
