Alex Corretja hopes Carlos Alcaraz’s unorthodox Australian Open preparation pays off – ‘A little bit unusual’

Carlos Alcaraz’s preparation for the Australian Open has been described as a “little bit unusual” by two-time French Open runner-up Alex Corretja – but he has backed the world No. 2’s decision.

The Wimbledon champion chose not to play a full warm-up tournament in the build-up to the first Grand Slam of the year. Daniil Medvedev took the same approach, but defending champion Novak Djokovic chose to play for Serbia in the United Cup.

The 20-year-old’s last official match was at the ATP Finals in November, when he lost to Djokovic in the semi-finals, after a dip in form near the end of the season.

“It’s a little bit unusual not to play any tournament before the Australian Open but I think as the tournament goes on, Carlos will find his rhythm,” Corretja told Eurosport.

“They’re hoping to have a draw where he can face players and the rhythm that he’s been missing in the last few weeks, because he hasn’t played.

“At the same time, that shows a lot of confidence in himself – just showing up first tournament of the year, playing at a Grand Slam.

“If he does well they would say ’oh it was great preparation’, if he doesn’t do well they would say ‘oh he was lack of matches’.

“You need to go with your heart. Whatever you feel is better for your game, because you never know what the right answer is until you don’t play the tournament. But if this was the plan before the season, I think it’s a good decision.”

With Rafael Nadal out of the Australian Open because of a minor hip muscle tear, Corretja is confident Alcaraz can handle the extra pressure from Spain, saying he “loves pressure, he likes to be the centre of attention.”

The Eurosport expert thinks it will not be too long before the 22-time major winner makes another comeback, following a year out injured, believing Melbourne just came a touch too early for Nadal.

“In my opinion, Rafa wants to play now. I think as soon as he’s ready again physically, if he’s healthy, it would be good to try again and see where he is,” said Corretja.

“It’s not just about his game, it’s also about his body, about his mind. It’s a big of a combination right now.

“I think once he’s recovered from the injury, I don’t think he’s going to wait two more months to come back to the tour, because he’s been out for such a long time. I don’t see him wondering again, or thinking ‘I want to practise’ [instead].”