Alcaraz's weakness is mental, according to Medvedev's coach: "He can get emotional and start making mistakes"
This Friday, Daniil Medvedev will be seeking revenge for last year's semi-final. Reunited with his 2023 tormentor, the world number 5 is determined not to let Carlos Alcaraz off the hook.
Indeed, the world number 3 won by a wide margin (6-3, 6-3, 6-3). Having enjoyed a fine tournament, the Russian is hoping to capitalize on the confidence he has built up to complicate the plans of an over-motivated Spaniard.
Gilles Cervara, Medvedev's coach, told L'Équipe: "He got stepped on (in last year's semi-final) and that served us well for the US Open semi-final (won by Medvedev). Alcaraz is an unbelievable player, he has a quality of shot that hurts.
We need to contain that and find strategies to get him out of the way. What's annoying is his striking speed. From the back, he's capable of pressing the button and sending a shot that puts you ten meters away, even though you'd started the point off pretty well.
It's balanced and all of a sudden he sends you one... You have to succeed, through play or something else, in getting Alcaraz into a zone where he can start to doubt. When he doubts, he can get emotional and start making mistakes."
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Carlos doesn’t lash out at the umpires and line judges and team when he’s losing or losing his shit.