The chess player Alcaraz makes his debut at the Godó to “grow more”

For Rafa Nadal, a tennis eminence, his first Conde de Godó Tournament in 2002 and at just 15 years old was special, a first contact with a professional world that, a few years later, would see him lift trophies everywhere. The same first-time sensation will feel from this Monday the 17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz from Murcia, who will make his debut at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell (predictably on Tuesday) against the American Frances Tiafoe (65º), 1.88 m and 23 years old. “He is dynamic, he volleys well, he plays from the bottom … It will be a great game and I need to be very serious and play well. My goal is to add experience and grow”, declared Juan Carlos Ferrero's ward.

Alcaraz, who in 2021 is among the best in precocity, wants to continue on his way in this Godó and later in the Mutua Madrid Open, where he has also received an invitation and will participate. “You have to be humble, I have risen to a new category and I have started again. Everyone has more experience. You have to analyze who you lose against and how you do it”He commented showing maturity. “Ferrero squeezes, yeah,” he said.

Despite his age and starting to occupy spaces in the media due to the expectations generated by his game and his successes, Alcaraz is calm and sure that he will not be affected by being under the spotlight. “I try to go to my ball, to be apart from what is said. I try to be focused on myself“For this reason, try to occupy your free time watching tennis at the Real Club Tenis de Barcelona and spending the minimum possible hours in the hotel: “You have to comply with the rules. I am grateful to compete and travel. I try to watch tennis, be in the club and in the hotel I have little time, only to have dinner, sleep and play chess.”

Rational as in the 64-box game, Alcaraz also highlighted his physical evolution during confinement, which helps him compete face to face in demanding matches against tennis players of obvious physical superiority due to age reasons. “I had to look for the positive part of the quarantine. He can improve in the physical part and that suits me very well against players who prioritize that aspect”he commented. The Murcian will attempt to advance rounds on an ATP 500 after his semi-finals in Marbella.