Greg Rusedski has admitted that Carlos Alcaraz made him and others reconsider their doubts after returning from a lengthy wrist injury layoff and quickly rebuilding his form.
Alcaraz missed more than four months after completing the career Grand Slam in Australia at the age of 22. The injury prevented him from defending his French Open title and his runner-up result at Wimbledon.
The Spaniard returned at the US Open, despite concerns that playing best-of-five-set matches so soon after his injury could be risky. He was beaten by Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, but subsequently won the ATP 500 tournaments in Tokyo and Vienna.
Speaking on Off Court with Greg Rusedski ahead of the Paris Masters, the former world No 4 said Alcaraz’s decision to return at a major had surprised everyone. Rusedski acknowledged that both he and others had expected the comeback to be more difficult.
Rusedski also praised Alcaraz’s performance in the Vienna Open final, where the Spaniard defeated Alex De Minaur while losing only five games. He said the result suggested that Alcaraz was moving back towards his best level and trying to end the season strongly.
The world No 3 will now turn his attention to the Paris Masters, an event he has previously found difficult. He could then target a first ATP Finals title in Turin, while also seeking his maiden Paris Masters crown.
Sources: Tennis365.