Jim Courier has suggested a player who Carlos Alcaraz may not want to face at the French Open.
In a month’s time the 21-year-old is set to commence the defence of his title at the clay court Grand Slam.
Carlos Alcaraz conquered Roland Garros a year ago by reversing a two sets to one deficit to defeat Alexander Zverev.
The World number two will aim to repeat his accomplishment in 2025, but Alcaraz could face some pretty stiff competition from the outset.
Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWho does Jim Courier think Carlos Alcaraz could play in the French Open first round?
Alcaraz will be the player to beat at the French Open when he enters as the defending champion.
He will have to be on his game from the outset, especially if he were to face someone like Reilly Opelka.
The American is currently ranked outside the top 100, and if he were to compete at the Grand Slam, he would likely be unseeded, meaning a top player could face him early.
With his monstrous nerve, it could cause players like Alcaraz problems and Jim Courier, a two-time French Open winner in his own right, thinks this is something the Spaniard would want to avoid.
While reviewing Alcaraz’s chances at the French Open, Courier said: “I wouldn’t be concerned about his tennis level because the best of five gives these players more time, they are protected from a seeding standpoint from playing anyone inside the top 32.
“Unless you run into someone like Reilly Opelka who can make it not about the tennis and about reactions, that would be worrying if I was on Team Alcaraz. But other than that I think he will have time to work his way into the tournament.”
“The question is if he gets into week two, as we all think he would, assuming he is healthy. Does he have the legs and the stamina to stay in and make the right decisions or is he forced to make compromised choices?
“When you have to do those in the latter stages of a major and up that risk profile, that’s when things can get a little skewed.”
Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty ImagesIs Carlos Alcaraz playing at the Madrid Open?
Alcaraz is experiencing some deja vu as injury has played a role in his clay court season once again.
He played just one event on clay prior to the 2024 French Open, and a year later, Alcaraz will watch his home tournament from the sidelines.
The World number two did some damage to his hamstring and groin in the second set of Sunday’s Barcelona Open final.
He was able to finish that match, but now the Spaniard will have to watch his home tournament from the sidelines. Alcaraz has since taken to Instagram to apologise for not being able to play in Madrid.
“Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that it’s a real shame for me not to be able to play here in Madrid,” Alcaraz said. “The support I get here is incredible—truly indescribable.
“All the people who come to the tournament, the locals from Madrid, and those who travel from afar to cheer me on.
“I wanted to take this moment to thank you for the support, for the encouragement—just know that I hear you, I read so many of your messages, and we’ll come back stronger. I’ll be back here in Madrid very soon. Sending you all a big hug.”