Former player and Eurosport pundit Alex Corretja isn't worried about Carlos Alcaraz following his cramping episode at Roland Garros.
Cramping is fairly normal in tennis though it doesn't happen often if you prepare well. Alcaraz himself has had issues with it in the past. Earlier this year at the Miami Open, the Spaniard dealt with cramps that left him unable to compete as well as he had hoped against Sinner.
The same thing happened against Djokovic causing him to lose a match that was quite competitive. It's something former legendary player Connors called unacceptable but it's not something that worries Alcaraz's compatriot Alex Corretja too much. Speaking about the situation to Eurosport, Corretja called the situation normal.
Well, it is normal that it can end up like that. I am not worried at all. I sincerely believe that he is going to have a spectacular season and I am convinced that it will end with him in the top three almost certainly.
The 2023 Roland Garros was a unique experience for the Spaniard as he entered it as the number one seed being favoured ahead of Djokovic which doesn't happen often. It put a lot of pressure on him which he didn't handle the best way. Even Djokovic noted the very nervous start from Alcaraz in the match.
The demand and pressure that he put on himself throughout the tour and later, especially when arriving at Roland Garros, that could have taken a toll on him physically. The match was very demanding. The intensity was very high, very hot, very humid and the nerves could get to you.
There are some parallels between his cramps in Miami and Roland Garros. Both happened in very hot conditions that might have had an impact. They were full-body cramps which indicate a mental cause but the condition certainly didn't help. As some pointed out, it's going to be a learning experience which will make him better.
Nothing is wrong with him. He is young, he is growing, he is learning. His body is also developing. Little by little he will manage it.
He will understand that maybe he can also lower the pace a little bit in the match and then raise it again in a five-set match against someone like Djokovic. Alcaraz will assume his role in the world of tennis, both outside and inside Spain.
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