How is Alcaraz preparing for the Cincinnati Open?
The Olympic Games silver medalist is getting ready for his return to the tennis courts and will be the main favorite to win in Cincinnati.
Carlos Alcaraz had some days off with his friends in Mallorca after winning the silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games and he’s now back to training for the seventh Masters 1000 tournament of the tennis season, the Cincinnati Open.
The world No. 3 will enjoy his chances of winning the ATP event, as some of the favorites won’t feature in this year’s edition. Jannik Sinner won’t participate after getting injured in Montreal, while the current tournament champion, Novak Djokovic, decided to take some time off after clinching gold in Paris.
With two heavyweights of the game out, all eyes will be on the Spanish star, who will try to forget his loss to Nole in the Olympics and go all the way in Cincinnati after losing the final in 2023.
Alcaraz getting ready for Cincinnati and the US Open
The Murcia talent is already training at the Lindner Family Tennis Center facilities. The 20-year-old player will want to bounce back and send a message to their opponents in Cincinnati, as it’s the previous event to the fourth and last Grand Slam tournament, the US Open.
Alcaraz, who’s looking for the 16th ATP title of his career, could take the No. 2 spot in the rankings from Djokovic if he gets to the quarterfinals, so that’s also a motivation for the Spaniard to have a good tournament and put the pressure on the world No. 1, Sinner.
Alcaraz arrived in Cincinnati on Saturday and played with Matteo Berrettini on Sunday. The four-time major champion will debut on Thursday against the winner of the Gael Monfils vs Alexei Popyrin match.
There was a lot of expectation surrounding Carlitos’ training session with Berretini, as the stadium was full of fans willing to see their idol practice with the Italian.