Carlos Alcaraz’s backhand is one the fiercest weapons on the ATP Tour. The Spaniard’s devastating proficiency with two hands off that wing probably explains why his dalliance with a one-handed version of the shot did not last long.
“When I was young, I loved to try new things,” said Alcaraz on Tuesday as he clarified a journalist’s suggestion that coaches had considered developing his one-hander as a kid. “Probably the one-handed backhand was one of those things that I practised for just one day. I love to do different shots, different things on court. Probably that day I watched a Roger Federer match, and I tried to imitate him.
“I think my backhand, it was improving during these years. When I was young, my forehand was my best shot. It’s still my best shot, but I feel really comfortable with my backhand.”
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Alcaraz’s backhand was among several facets of his game that appeared in fine fettle Tuesday on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the top seed led 6-2, 3-2 in his US Open first-round clash against Dominik Koepfer before the German retired with an ankle injury. Alcaraz hopes to maintain that level in his second-round meeting with Lloyd Harris as he continues his defence of his US Open crown.
“I felt great during the match. I started pretty well,” said Alcaraz. “Really focussed. Honestly, I didn’t expect to play such a great level the beginning, the first round, here in the US Open.
“I am very, very happy with the level, even if Domi had to retire. I have to [look at] myself and hopefully keep that level into the next round.”
Alcaraz has often spoken about his desire to engage with fans as he goes about his on-court business. After Tuesday’s match was curtailed due to Koepfer’s injury, the 20-year-old even offered up an alternative source of entertainment during his on-court interview with a brief rendition of Colombian singer Sebastian Yatra’s song VAGABUNDO.
“We try to bring good vibes to the crowd, to the people. I try to be myself all the time,” said Alcaraz later when asked about his relationship with spectators during his matches. “I think the people love that part of me. I am always happy, smiling.
“I love that people call me Carlitos, my nickname. That’s it. It’s great to know that people love that, as well.”
Carlos Alcaraz can carry a tune 🎵
He gives his best @SebastianYatra impression! pic.twitter.com/qMbAZ3nG0g
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 30, 2023
Having lifted his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open a year ago, Alcaraz is defending a major crown for the first time this fortnight at Flushing Meadows. As he has done so often during his meteoric rise to becoming the youngest No. 1 in Pepperstone ATP Rankings history, the Spaniard is taking it all in his stride.
“I was excited to play my first round here in the US Open,” said Alcaraz. “It was great to step on court again in Arthur Ashe after such a great run last year. I was excited to come back.
“I’m not thinking about defending the title. I was not thinking about that I was the champion last year. I just focus on playing my best level, to recover the level that I played last year, and try to do the same things that I did last year. That’s the only thing that I’m thinking right now.
“I try to be apart from all the pressure people put on me about being the defending champion.”
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