Carlos Alcaraz Receives Key Advice From Former World No. 1 After Djokovic Loss
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Carlos Alcaraz received advice from tennis legend Jim Courier about becoming more consistent after losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Alcaraz's match against Novak Djokovic lived up to expectations. It was a contest filled with outstanding drama between two of the best players in the world on one of the most significant stages in tennis.
Djokovic prevailed in four sets to reach an incredible 50th Grand Slam semifinal. The Serbian suddenly recovered from physical issues in the opening two sets, but Alcaraz did not accuse him of exaggerating the problems when he spoke honestly about the topic.
Ultimately, the main difference between Alcaraz and Djokovic was the latter's consistency. While there were several superb rallies, the Spaniard made some mistakes that cost him, while his illustrious opponent stayed more solid.
Speaking to Eurosport after the match, Courier argued that Alcaraz's game would benefit from becoming more structured and that his worst level is inferior to Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, who do a better job of limiting their lows.
"I would like to see slightly more structure with Alcaraz. He has the ability to dazzle us with the unexpected but a little bit more structure against everybody will make him a more consistent player."
"I’d say, that his best day is probably the best day of anyone in men’s tennis right now. But his worst day is a level below Novak and Sinner, and that’s what he needs to lift up."
The two-time Australian Open champion then said Alcaraz is not currently in a position to beat Djokovic by playing normal tennis and that his loss to the 24-time Grand Slam champion will help him learn.
"These matches are exceptions to the rule. He can’t play normal tennis and beat Novak. He’s not as experienced as Novak is, but Novak wasn’t at his age either."
"These hard lessons teach you how to navigate these situations. We’ve seen him learn how to play through physical duress. But dealing with an injured player, going out of their normal zone tactically, how do you adjust to that? These are lessons he’ll pick up and hopefully make him a better player."
Alcaraz's style and desire to entertain fans means it might take him some time to play with the structure Courier discusses. That style might also explain why his worst level is below Sinner and Djokovic's.
However, needing to improve in that area should not concern Alcaraz. His achievements are already incredible for a 21-year-old, and having areas to work on will only make him even more formidable in the future.
If Alcaraz had won the Australian Open, he would have become the youngest man to achieve the Career Grand Slam. His four major titles, including two Wimbledon titles, at 21, are outstanding.
The Spaniard is unlikely to allow one defeat against the man most consider the greatest ATP player ever to dent his progress. Alcaraz will be back in action at next month's Rotterdam Open.
