There will be no rest for the weary as world no. 1 on the ATP Tour Carlos Alcaraz returns to action this week to spearhead Spain's Hopman Cup campaign.
Carlos Alcaraz won the Wimbledon men's title last Sunday, beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final. It was the second Grand Slam title of his career and solidified his status as the current best player on the ATP Tour.
But he is expected to travel to Nice on Thursday and will join forces with WTA world no. 72 Rebeka Masarova who was called up to replace the injured Paula Badosa in the revamped team competition which returns after a three-year absence. Spain were drawn in Group 2 alongside Belgium and Croatia.
Spain will kick off their campaign on Friday against Belgium where Alcaraz is set to play his first singles match against David Goffin - just five days since his Wimbledon triumph. It remains to be seen in what condition Alcaraz will be physically, but the 20-year-old is excited to represent his country. And the tournament has confirmed that Alcaraz will be in Nice despite initial doubts about his participation.
"I can't wait to be there. Playing for Spain is always a source of pride."
"We have booked his hotel room, he’s coming"
Each tie is made up of one men's singles match, a women's singles match, and a mixed doubles match. Spain will then play Croatia on Saturday where Alcaraz will take on Croatia's no. 1 male player Borna Coria. The winners of Groups 1 and 2 will meet each other in the final.
Alcaraz will look to recharge his batteries following his commitment at the Hopman Cup, meaning it is the last we will see of him on clay this year, skipping an upcoming ATP 500 tournament in Hamburg where he made the final last year.
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