Carlos Alcaraz has played down injury fears ahead of Wimbledon despite taking a medical time-out midway through his win over Alex de Minaur at Queen’s.
The 20-year-old defeated de Minaur 6-4, 6-4, to claim his first ATP title on the grass and secure his return to world No.1 in the ATP Pepperstone rankings on Monday. After claiming the opening set, Alcaraz sought medical attention for treatment on the upper part of his right leg. The physio was seen massaging the area before covering it in bandaging. When play resumed, the Spaniard was able to move freely around the court.
Speaking about the issue during his press conference, Alcaraz confirmed that it is a new problem and not something he had been dealing with in recent weeks. Although he isn’t concerned that it could hamper his title chances at Wimbledon which will begin a week tomorrow.
“It appeared in the final. This is something I didn’t feel during the week, but I think it’s normal,” he assured.
“All the players feel some problems during the week, during the year and you have to take care. But it’s nothing serious.’
“We are gonna work this week before Wimbledon to be at 100% for Wimbledon but this (his leg) isn’t something that I’m not too worried about.”
It was a leg injury that forced Alcaraz to miss the start of this season. Nevertheless, he has won 40 out of 44 matches played so far in 2023 and has won five titles. The only other player to have won that amount of trophies on the ATP Tour so far this year is Daniil Medvedev.
Amid all the action on the court, there are also developments happening behind the scenes. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi confirmed that he has held ‘positive’ discussions with representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) about a potential partnership. The PIF is investing heavily in sport but there are concerns that they are doing so to improve their public image which has been marred by various human rights concerns.
As one of the sport’s most promising young players, Alcaraz might find himself playing in Saudi Arabia in the future. Something that appears to be inevitable in his eyes.
“I think they (the PIF) have the power to have a lot of tournaments,” he commented.
“I have never played an official tournament over there. But let’s see how is gonna be in the future…I have no doubt that I will play over there in the future.”
According to multiple media reports, Saudi Arabia is the front runner-up to host the ATP Next Gen finals after Milan. Although there is yet to be any official comment on this matter.
