Carlos Alcaraz hasn't touched a racquet since Wimbledon but he did it in Nice, playing for Spain in the Hopman Cup.
Alcaraz has had a really strong year so far, winning multiple trophies including the Wimbledon trophy recently. The Spaniard isn't someone who will portray things differently from what they are in reality. Speaking leading up to the Hopman Cup, Alcaraz admitted to feeling tired but still excited to play at the Hopman Cup.
I’m a little tired, I’m not going to lie to you. I had a few days of rest to recover some energy. Today I feel very good. I will play. I will try to give the best of myself, to have fun on the field. I hope people will appreciate it.
His decision to play did come as a surprise to me because most people assumed that he would just withdraw and enjoy some off time before returning to hard courts for the Canadian Open in August. The Spaniard cherished the chance to play the Hopman Cup, an event he watched growing up.
The event itself gave him a chance to play a mixed doubles match for the first time in his career, something he's looking forward to. It was a big match that decided the tie between Spain and Belgium, but ended in a losing effort for the Spaniards.
I wanted to be here, to play this tournament which is magnificent. We are not used to playing mixed doubles, in a mixed tournament. I feel very good and I’m really happy and excited to start here.
Asked whether he practiced for the event, Alcaraz admitted that he didn't. He hadn't touched a racquet since his win at Wimbledon, but he still made a winning start by beating David Goffin in three sets.
Honestly, I haven’t touched a racquet since Wimbledon. I will resume training today.
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