Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, April 26, 2024
Carlos Alcaraz's first match since the Miami Open was successful on Friday at the Mutua Madrid Open, although there are still concerns over his right arm after the two-time defending champion in Madrid dispatched Alexander Shevchenko of Russia in his first match since the Miami Open. (6-2, 6-1).
The good news? Alcaraz, who wore a sleeve to protect his right arm, felt no pain.
Not so good news? The Spaniard says he does not feel ready to hit his hand 100 percent.
“I didn't hit my forehand at 100 percent,” he told reporters after improving to 13-1 lifetime in Madrid. “I hit it softer than I used to, but I think it helped me stay comfortable.”
Make it TWELVE in a row in Madrid 😎@carlosalcaraz takes care of Shevchenko 6-2 6-1!#MMOVula pic.twitter.com/n8oLFSH0LR
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 26, 2024
Alcaraz, who had to pull out of Monte-Carlo and Barcelona due to injury, says that his priority right now is not to break the lead, but to ensure that he can go through the game without pain. In this regard, the 20-year-old passed with flying colors. Additionally, he seems to be learning something about how to play his forehand at less than full strength – an added bonus.
“The first thing I thought about when I stepped on the court was to stay healthy, I couldn't feel anything in my armpit,” he said. “That's what's important to me. And then it was a shot or a level – I was really happy that I didn't feel anything about it, and after that, I couldn't increase my intensity. I can extend my forehand a bit, and this game has been good for me. “
Second-seeded Alcaraz, who is bidding to become the first player in Madrid Open history to successfully complete a three-peat, will put his skills – and Madrid's 12-match winning streak – on the line against Thiago Seyboth Wild in the third round in Madrid.
