AUSTRALIAN OPEN
In the first round of the 2024 Australian Open, marking the beginning of his season, Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious in a generational battle against Frenchman Richard Gasquet (131st ranked), with a score of 7-6 (5), 6-1, and 6-2 after two hours and twenty-two minutes of play. The Europeans crossed paths on the tour after a three-year hiatus, with their previous encounter dating back to the final of the Umag ATP 250, an event that notably marked the opening of the Spanish player’s achievements.
Alcaraz advances in the Australian Open, returning after his absence last year due to an injury that forced him to withdraw and delay the start of his activity until landing in Buenos Aires. In his last participation in 2022, he reached the third round as the 31st in the world. Months later, he secured the first of his two Grand Slam titles at the US Open and ascended to the world number one ranking, transforming from a future star to a prominent figure in today’s tennis landscape.
“It’s always good to play here in Australia. This is my third time. I haven’t had good results on the other occasions, but I’ve enjoyed it nonetheless. I missed it last year. Today, I felt very good in front of all of you (the audience). The first set was tough, with Richard (Gasquet) playing very well, but I improved set by set and finished at a very high level.”
“Gasquet is a great player (when asked if he made him feel a bit old), but he’s an even better person. Every time we meet, we talk. He has had a great and enduring career, an incredible player with an incredible backhand… crazy. He played a great first set. Then, I was able to find my game; however, his talent is always there.”
“Yes, sometimes I play to the gallery (laughs, responding to McEnroe’s question about playing for the audience). I always say that making incredible shots, drop shots… is playing for myself, but also for people to enjoy watching me play. Sometimes, I don’t look at the scoreboard and try to make impossible shots for the audience, yes.”
“I try to smile all the time on the court. Sometimes it’s hard because of the pressure, the nerves in those moments… Sometimes it’s difficult to enjoy, but my team helps me put a smile on to enjoy the game and the court. Putting a smile on my face every day is the key to my game. It’s why I’m playing good tennis, and I work on it every day. When I was young, it was hard for me to enjoy on the court, but I’ve learned to do it.”