Carlos Alcaraz is leaving no stone unturned. In a stellar 2024 season, he clinched four titles, including Grand Slams at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, along with victories at Indian Wells and Beijing. The Spaniard is not holding back. Although he faced an early exit at the ATP Finals due to health issues and struggled to adapt to indoor courts, he still finished the season ranked No. 3 in the ATP rankings. As he looks ahead to 2025, Alcaraz is ready to bring the heat against opponents that few expect.
On November 23rd, Novak Djokovic made waves in the tennis world by announcing that his former rival, Andy Murray, would be his coach for the upcoming Australian Open in January 2025. Murray, who retired recently after the Paris Olympics, had expressed a desire to remain connected to the sport. This coaching opportunity allows him to travel and stay involved. While some questioned this partnership, Alcaraz is excited to see how it unfolds.
Currently, Alcaraz is competing in an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden against Ben Shelton. Two days later, he will compete against Frances Tiafoe in The Charlotte Invitational. While there, he spoke with reporters about his season and expectations for next year.
While he hopes to become the Australian Open champion sooner or later, Carlitos acknowledged that the “most challenging part” of competing for this major title is matching the level of other top players. “They are all prepared to sell their cards on the table and show everything they have worked hard to achieve a good result,” he said. However, then he spoke about competition.
When asked about his views on Nole teaming up with Murray, he states that he believes Djokovic has found the “right coach” in Andy Murray. Humorously adding “it’s like I’m going to play against them (two)” Nonetheless, Alcaraz sees this partnership as a game-changer for tennis. With Novak’s 24 Grand Slam titles and Andy’s analytical mindset, “It’s going to be incredible for the sport,” as Alcaraz puts it.
In an interview for MSG, Carlos Alcaraz said he is certain Novak Djokovic has found the “right coach” in Andy Murray and “it’s going to be incredible for tennis!”
He also joked that “it’s as if we’re going to play against them (two)”
: @EFEdeportes pic.twitter.com/ZWdhzvm8Oo
— Carlos Alcaraz Daily (@alcarazdaily) December 4, 2024
Additionally, Alcaraz’s team has welcomed a new member for the 2025 season. He has signed Samuel Lopez, former coach of Pablo Carreño, whom he considers “one of the best.” Lopez will work alongside Alcaraz’s current coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. “They trust each other 100%, and being able to travel with both of them is going to be great for me,” said the Murcia native. Meanwhile, he plans to start training early for next season.
Carlos hopes to get an early start on his preseason training
Ahead of his exhibition match against Ben Shelton, Carlos Alcaraz revealed his preseason training plans to the Spanish sports newspaper, Marca. He will kick off his training on December 9 after returning from the U.S., focusing solely on preparation for the Australian Open. Alcaraz plans to skip any tournaments leading up to this major event, keeping his eyes firmly set on the Grand Slam titles ahead, inspired by Novak Djokovic’s approach, who aims to continue competing at a high level.
As stated in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on November 30, Djokovic said, “Next year, I will play more tournaments, and the Grand Slams will be my priority. I will give my best to win, of course, if my body allows me.”
In addition to the Grand Slams, Alcaraz will participate in two charity exhibitions at Rod Laver Arena on January 8 and 10. He will join a star-studded lineup that includes ten-time champion Novak Djokovic, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Qinwen Zheng, Alex De Minaur, and Alexei Popyrin. These exhibition matches run from January 7 to 10 and promise to deliver thrilling tennis action while supporting charitable causes.
As Alcaraz gears up for the 2025 season, the excitement to see him bring his A-game is palpable. With his impressive track record in 2024—two Grand Slam titles and a silver medal at the Paris Olympics—he is poised to put his best foot forward next year. What are your thoughts on Alcaraz’s ambitions for the upcoming season? Share your insights in the comments below!
The post Carlos Alcaraz Builds High Anticipation as Novak Djokovic Looks Set to Dominate Tennis With Andy Murray by His Side appeared first on EssentiallySports.
