If there’s anything that disheartens tennis fans, it’s a potential injury scare. But it seemingly looks like Carlos Alcaraz has escaped from its clutches. The Spaniard talent advanced to the last 16 of the Paris Olympics after downing Tallon Greikspoor of the Netherlands on Monday, July 29. However, things did not run as smoothly as one would expect.
After dominating his way through the first set without breaking a sweat, Alcaraz faced a concerning physical challenge which prompted him to leave the court. The Spaniard received off-court treatment to resolve an issue concerning his right leg. Despite the struggles, the World No. 3 came out on top and secured victory 6-1, 7-6, notably saving a set point in the process. In a post-match presser after the contest, Alcaraz addressed the issue and gave a reassuring update for the tennis community.
In hopes of addressing the injury scare, the 21-year-old acknowledged the leg issue but notably downplayed its significance. His nonchalant attitude toward the potential injury suggested that the Spanish star wasn’t concerned with the issue. “Leg has the issue, but I will be there tomorrow for doubles. It is not a problem. It’s the life of tennis players to have small niggles. Will give my all to be there tomorrow, with Rafa.”
While talking to the reporters, the four-time Grand Slam champion expressed satisfaction with his performance, acknowledging Griekspoor’s improved challenge in the second set. “I was very happy to get through in two sets. I played much better in the first set than I did in the second.“ However, later, the Spaniard reserved a few words for the injury scare.
For the unversed, Alcaraz, along with countryman Rafael Nadal, will take to the Roland Garros clay courts for their second-round doubles contest on Tuesday, July 30. The Spaniard also shared his thoughts on compatriot Nadal’s recent singles face-off against Serbian giant Novak Djokovic.
“Not his best tennis” Carlos Alcaraz on countryman Rafael Nadal’s performance against Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz tuned into the highly anticipated clash of tennis titans Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in the second round of the Olympics. The legendary duo locked horns for a ‘probable last dance‘ in Paris, marking their record 60th career meet. Alcaraz spectated the action unfold at Court Philippe Chatrier before squaring off with Griekspoor. Later, he divulged his thoughts on their much-awaited performance.
The Spaniard opined that the Serbian tennis star was on an impeccable level while competing against Rafa. Furthermore, he also claimed that the former World No. 1 wasn’t playing at his best against Nole. “When Djokovic is playing at this level, it’s really difficult to play against him. I saw Rafa playing decent, let’s say. Not his best tennis, for sure. But when Djokovic is like this, he’s almost unbeatable.”
Nadal and Alcaraz will next take on Dutch talents Tallon Greikspoor and Wesley Koolhof for a place in the quadrennial event’s last 16. Although Rafa’s run in the singles event has concluded, he still has a chance to bag a gold medal for his country if he conjures a noteworthy performance in the doubles in Paris.
