Alcaraz says he nonetheless has ‘weaknesses’

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz mentioned he’s nonetheless ironing out weaknesses in his recreation even after capturing all 4 Grand Slam titles by the age of twenty-two, as he returns to motion on the Qatar Open this week.

The Spaniard turned the youngest man to finish the profession Grand Slam when he beat 24-time main winner Novak Djokovic 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 within the Australian Open remaining this month, the most recent step in what’s now one of many sport’s fastest-rising careers.

Forward of his marketing campaign in Doha, the place his nice rival Jannik Sinner and a bunch of different challengers are within the area, Alcaraz mentioned he was solely targeted on enchancment as he seeks to hit the bottom operating after an prolonged break.

“Clearly I can see that (I’ve had) quite a lot of success to date, successful the most important tournaments on the planet,” Alcaraz mentioned on Sunday.

“However I see myself with weaknesses. A whole lot of gamers, I do know they’re attempting to meet up with me when it comes to learning my recreation, how I play and attempting to beat me, attempting to problem me.

“I’ve to be prepared for that and see the place my stage is, the place my tennis is. I’ve to attempt to put myself of their minds and assume what they might do when enjoying in opposition to me.

“So that is what I imply about saying I’ve to enhance some issues. Clearly, you can’t be lagging within the stage, you simply must maintain it going.”

Alcaraz opens his marketing campaign in opposition to Arthur Rinderknech, a participant he has crushed in all 4 of their earlier conferences, however the prime seed mentioned he isn’t taking anybody frivolously.

“I understand how tough each match is,” Alcaraz mentioned.

“Each match is completely different, our play is completely completely different. I feel this draw is a extremely robust one for an ATP 500 match.

“So I am eager about one match at a time, and let’s have a look at how far I can go.”