Carlos Alcaraz opens up on his inventive style of play amid Japan Open

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he used to play innovative shots while rising through the ranks, and it has been inculcated in his game. The Spaniard said he used to play against kids older than him during his teen days and thus he used to try different shots as he didn’t have the strength to go past the bigger boys.

Alcaraz registered a 6-4, 6-2 win in the round of 32 of the ongoing Japan Open against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez. 

“I think it came since I was a little kid. I was a skinny guy that was competing with players two or three years older than me,” said Alcaraz in his post-match press conference at the Japan Open.

“I didn’t have the strength to compete with them, so I tried to figure out how I could compete with them. That’s where my game came from,” added the Spaniard.

“After that, I was trying to grow up as a player and try to be better with that same style. I love playing that way,” added Alcaraz.

The World No.1 often keeps his fans on the edge of their seats with his shot-making, but admitted that his coaches have warned him to avoid unnecessary shots.

“Hitting big, playing good rallies, good shots, good points, that’s what I try to do and that’s why I enjoy playing tennis. Sometimes they tell me it’s not necessary to do some shots to be honest, but If I don’t do that it’s like something is wrong.”

“I think I’m doing great shots and great things, but at the same time, I’m doing unnecessary shots. I think all things are myself and I can’t do anything about it.”

Alcaraz will take on Germany’s Zizou Bergs in the next round of the Japan Open.