With Wimbledon just around the corner, there is a new name amongst those considered as the favourites. Spain's up and coming Carlos Alcaraz has put his name in the hat following some formidable form, but the man from Murcia is not necessarily a grass specialist.
In order to warm-up for the 2022 Championships, Alcaraz has played two exhibition matches at the Hurlingham Club, losing both without winning a set.
Despite coming on leaps and bounds in recent months, there is no hiding from the fact that he will have to improve on form such as this if he is to put in a bid to go deep, let alone win, the tournament.
Despite acknowledging the sub-par preparation he has had for this year's Championships, he seemed unfazed as to what this would mean for his chances, reiterating that motivation is at an all-time high.
"I would say I have a game that can do well on grass. I come to the net, play aggressive. I couldn't prepare well for Wimbledon this year, but I come to every tournament and want to have a good result, or even to be able to win the tournament."
The work that goes on behind the scenes is also vital for players. Spending hours trawling through video footage of opponents learning how they play can prove pivotal when it comes down to getting that vital edge over someone.
But this is not the only use of this tactic, with Alcaraz watching the sport's best in order to learn from them. The Spaniard made no two bones about trying to emulate some of the world's best grass court players so that he can implement those same aspects into his training sessions.
"I'm trying to see the trainings of the best players, to copy some things from the best. I always watch Kyrgios, Federer, Djokovic, Rafa, Andy to copy their movement."
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