Chess player Alcaraz hopes to see Nadal again
Carlos Alcaraz continues his attack on the absolute top of the world at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells. To prepare for his matches, the 18-year-old also indulges in chess.
by Jens Huiber
last edit:
Mar 10, 2022, 01:56 pm
If Carlos Alcaraz wants to continue his advance in the ATP world rankings at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, then he has to get in great shape early on. Alcaraz was drawn quite a way up in the tableau, starting with either Mackenzie McDonald or Marton Fucsovics. After that, however, Roberto Bautista-Agut could be waiting for the Spanish teenager, followed by Daniil Medvedev one lap later.
But the real opponent is someone else: Rafael Nadal. He has not lost a game in 2022 and has won three titles in his 15 match wins. The only encounter with his compatriot was painful for Carlos Alcaraz last year in Madrid: Grandmaster Nadal prevailed 6-1 and 6-2. Carlos Alcaraz does not want to accept such a rebuff again.
Alcaraz feels more mature
"I'm more mature now and can manage my emotions better," Alcaraz explained a few days ago in an interview with the Spanish sports magazine Marca. "If I play against Nadal again, it will be different. He might hit me again, but it will be different."
Last weekend Alcaraz served for Spain in the Davis Cup for the first time in Marbella, the success against service cannon Marius Copil was convincing. Before that, the 18-year-old had won a tournament in the 500 category for the first time in Rio de Janeiro. Which was also due to his special preparation for matches. "The key for me was regeneration," said Alcaraz in Marca. After the Australian Open, which ended with an unfortunate loss to Matteo Berrettini, Alcaraz allowed himself a longer break.
Similarities between chess and tennis
What also helps before the matches? Chess. “Because you are focused there, your head is working. It helps me. being mentally faster, watching plays, anticipating moves, strategy. You have to stay focused all the time. In chess, like in tennis, if you lose concentration for a moment, you can lose the whole match. Seen in this way, these are two related disciplines.
By the way, a meeting with Nadal would be possible in Indian Wells in the semifinals.
Here the individual tableau in Indian Wells
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