Carlos Alcaraz refreshed and ready to tackle start of grass court season at Queen's

By SABC Sport
17th June 2024

French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz is confident he can make another quick transition from clay to grass ahead of his Queen's Club defence.

Alcaraz enjoyed a dream summer on the lawn in 2023 after an excellent victory at the cinch Championships in London was followed up by a maiden Wimbledon title.

The world number three has similar ambitions this time despite an eventful week after he tasted Roland Garros success for the first time last Sunday, which he celebrated in Ibiza before on Wednesday he discovered that he is set to partner Rafael Nadal at the Olympics in Paris next month.

"I had a few days off, I went to Ibiza with a group of friends. I had fun, I enjoyed my time," Alcaraz said.

"Obviously Roland Garros was a fantastic two weeks for me, a dream come true to lift the trophy but right now my mind must be here on the grass.

"To be ready as soon as I can to play good tennis here at Queen's and obviously to get ready for Wimbledon.

"Right now my focus is on the grass season, the two tournaments and after that my mind will be to be ready on clay again and playing my best tennis at the Olympic Games."

The Spaniard did reflect on the prospect of teaming up with Nadal at Roland Garros in the Olympic tennis tournament, which runs from July 27 until August 4.

Alcaraz added: "I feel really, really happy to play doubles in the Olympics and with an idol like Rafa.

"I mean, I didn't expect to play doubles at the Olympic Games with Rafa. It is a unique moment for me but of course I am very happy about it. Let's see how it's going to be but it's going to be a great time.

"Honestly, I feel he is going to teach me how to deal with everything. I am the young guy who needs to grow up as a player, to grow up as a person as well.

"Of course it's going to be my first Olympic Games. Everything is new for me, so I hope to learn a lot from him.

"Obviously it's going to be a dream if I get a medal with him."

Alcaraz, who arrived in London on Saturday, begins his Queen's Club campaign against Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo on Tuesday and could face home favourite Jack Draper in the last-16.