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This Week in Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz can improve by facing Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal at majors, says coach Ferrero

Alcaraz beat both Djokovic and Nadal to win his second Masters title in Madrid, but is yet to play either at a Grand Slam tournament despite getting to No. 1 after the US Open.

ByKamakshi Tandon

Published Nov 30, 2022

PRESS CONFERENCE: C. Alcaraz, 2022 Year-End World No. 1

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WATCH: Alcaraz ended the 2022 season ranked world No. 1 after winning his first major in New York.

Carlos Alcaraz has had some big achievements this season but is looking for even bigger challenges, says coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

The 19-year-old from Spain won his first Grand Slam at the US Open after earning statement wins over both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at the Mutua Madrid Open in May.

Next season, he wants to do both and get a win against them at a Grand Slam.

"I think for Carlos to improve his tennis he needs to play against one of the best in the history. Of course Rafa is there to play against him and Novak," Ferrero told Eurosport.

Ferrero noted Alcaraz's high quality of play in his Madrid win against Djokovic.

"He increased his level to try to win the match, so that’s what we need, to play in the Slams against him, I think it’s very important for Carlos to improve," he said.

And with the Australian government having announced that Djokovic can once again to return to Australia to compete, it could happen as soon as the first Slam of the season. The Serb is a nine-time champion in Australia and finished this season by capturing the title at the Nitto ATP Finals.

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"Carlos and I were talking about that we’re happy to see Novak there because if you want to win the Australian Open you have to win against the best, and of course it’s good news. But of course, it didn’t surprise me at all that he won in Turin," Ferrero said.

Alcaraz, who had to withdraw from the ATP Finals and Davis Cup with an abdominal injury, says he is recovering and will do his offseason training at Tenerife.

Having been this season's breakthrough player, he will find himself in a different position next season, holding the top spot in the rankings.

"The season is going to be difficult because I am going to start as the favorite and there is going to be a lot of pressure on me," he told EFE. "I have to enjoy tennis and play at my form."

Alcaraz is scheduled to return to action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships, an exhibition event held later next month in Abu Dhabi.