Alcaraz: "I don't want to go back to a tournament if I am mentally tired"

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After attending the international media at the Media Day of the 2025 Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz reserved another ten minutes to answer questions from the press who speak his same language. There was a moment to delve a little deeper into the changes seen this preseason, both in his racket and in his serve mechanics, but also to talk about the challenge of the 2025 calendar and about a illustrious sportsman from our country who has helped him to find inspiration in recent times. Let's go with another round of answers from the Murcian.

Changes in his racket

"In the end, certain things needed to be changed... well, more than changed, they needed to be tested. I used to play with a weight quite low for what the professional circuit requires, so we decided to increase it by five grams. When we tested it, I noticed it worked quite well. The most important thing for me is that I could move the racket just as well as the previous one, that I didn't feel any issues in my arm, avoiding shoulder or arm problems. From the start, it was fantastic for me, now the ball comes out more, for certain shots like the return or the serve, it always helps. It's something that I believe will work well for me, I'm looking forward to putting it into practice in the match."

Changes in his serve

"We knew that the serve was something we had to improve, something had to be done. This new motion is a bit more relaxed, much more relaxed with the wrist, what we aim for is to have more rhythm, no stop when I reach the top with the racket, everything more fluid. I believe this will help me, when you play more relaxed, you avoid other things during the match, like tension or physical strain. We'll see how it works, but you always have to change things, you can never stagnate with what you have. To be at the highest level, you have to adapt to what is required to be better and more competitive every day."

New arrangement of the boxes in favor of coaching

"These two matches I played this week have gone quite well regarding the box, with those chairs there. In the end, the final decision on that matter lies with Juan Carlos (Ferrero), it entirely depends on how he sees it or how he feels. It's great that he can be in the corner but, if from there he can't see the match well, then it's useless. He told me it was good, that he saw perfectly, that we are closer to communicate better, so the feeling from inside the court is positive."

Does he get inspired by someone in difficult moments?

"I haven't really turned to anyone for advice or inspiration in tough moments, but at the ATP Finals, I mentioned Ilia Toparía. After the year he's had and the confidence he shows, it's very valuable for us to have him because we are athletes and we know the things we go through. He always appears very confident before each fight, that self-assurance inspired me not to doubt myself, to know who I am, what I have, and always go for it. That self-confidence made me rise up in many moments, so I can say I've been inspired by him."

2025 Schedule: Will he play fewer tournaments?

"There is debate among players who complain about the schedule and then play exhibitions, but I've always said that's completely different. Taylor (Fritz) said the same, a tournament of maximum mental and physical demand for 9 days cannot be compared to playing a match one day to entertain people. I'll probably scratch some exhibitions and surely skip some tournaments too, that depends on how things go, how I'm playing, if I feel physically well or need to rest. What I don't want is to return to play a tournament feeling mentally tired, go there and have a hard time. I want to go to tournaments feeling good, enjoy playing tennis, if that's not the case, then I'll make some decisions this year."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz: “No quiero volver a ir a un torneo si estoy cansado mentalmente”