Carlos Alcaraz will look back on his 2023 campaign as a successful one. The 20-year-old secured his second Grand Slam title with an epic victory over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon and also wrapped up five ATP trophies.
However, the Spaniard’s season was not smooth sailing as he was plagued by fitness issues following his triumph at the All England Club. Boris Becker has compared the youngster’s struggles to similar issues he had at that age. And he put the problems down to a lack of motivation.
Becker said: “My feeling has always been that when motivation goes down, the body suffers. If you skip some training sessions, the chances of getting injured or suffering physical discomfort are much greater.
“That’s what happened to me when I was 20 and I think which is the case of Alcaraz as well. It seems logical to me for a young man who is so successful, it has happened to everyone.”
Djokovic may take hope from those comments that Alcaraz is not in a fit state to challenge him for the Australian Open title next month. The Serbian superstar is hoping to secure the 25th Grand Slam title of his illustrious career.
But Becker insists Alcaraz will turn things around and return to playing his best tennis, dashing Djokovic’s hopes of an easy ride.
“I know that Juan Carlos has recognized certain difficulties in keeping Carlitos (Carlos Alcaraz) in his best shape throughout the year, but I am convinced that the two of them will be able to correct that,” he said.
“I saw Carlos in good physical shape in Turin and I think he will start the season very motivated. Perhaps the big question on a physical level is whether to strengthen certain parts of the body more or less, such as the back or the lower body, but I am convinced that the entire team is already working on that and will find the best solutions.”
Alcaraz is spending pre-season practicing with one of his key challengers, Jannik Sinner, and the pari are hoping to kick off their 2024 campaign in fine form.
