Former Spanish tennis player David Ferrer was recently asked whether it is more difficult for Carlos Alcaraz to win now that his major rivals know him better, having seen him for a year or so. In response, the three-time Davis Cup winner showered praise on the youngster and compared him with the Big-3 – Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
David Ferrer pointed out that Carlos Alcaraz is currently the World No. 2, and expecting a player to perform in every single tournament is something very harsh and sets unreal expectations. He said that the Spaniard is a player of the caliber of the Big-3 and that this is the time when he will be tested for real because he has to handle that pressure now.
David Ferrer said in a Q&A with Marca:
He is second in the world and you cannot demand that a 20-year-old player always win. The players also know him better, but he is a special player, of the caliber of Rafa, Roger or Novak. Now is when you handle the pressure. Not everything is new, you demand that you always win because you are second in the world and you have been number one. David Ferrer said
Carlos Alcaraz recently suffered a second-grade ankle injury during his first-round match against Thiago Monteiro at the Rio Open for which he had to give a walkover. He is currently in recovery and will travel to Indian Wells with his entire team on Friday.
David Ferrer praises Carlos Alcaraz’s winning mentality
David Ferrer added that at the point in his career that Carlos Alcaraz is at right now, just making it to the semifinals is not enough. The Spaniard demands himself to win matches and it is what makes things difficult from here. Thus, Ferrer believes that this will be an extremely important year for him.
Speaking about the same, Ferrer said:
The semi-finals are no longer valid. He demands to win and it is not easy, it is a process and we have all been there. Well everyone, I'm referring to Carlos, Rafa, Carlos Moyá, Ferrero, who were very special players. It is a learning experience and Carlos is able to assume and accept where he can improve. The year has just begun and it will evolve, without a doubt. David Ferrer added
Carlos Alcaraz will travel from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on the 1st of March for his exhibition match against Rafael Nadal on the 3rd of March. Following that, he will shift his focus to defending his Indian Wells title.
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