Earlier this week, tennis fans were treated to the most unlikely of combinations, as Carlos Alcaraz paired up with Serena Williams to feature in the US Open’s mixed doubles.
It marked, by some distance, the most successful partnership of those gathered at this unique event, and although they only won one match, that was enough to satisfy most onlookers.
What was more important than any of this was the Spaniard’s level, as this marked his first taste of competitive action in over four months.
Carlos Alcaraz has missed two Grand Slams and countless other big events since he injured his wrist back in April.
Mats Wilander, reviewing this action for TNT Sports, has now argued that the 23-year-old could not have enjoyed better preparation for the upcoming singles event than by playing alongside such a legend of the sport in Serena Williams.
Mats Wilander claims there is nothing more intense than playing alongside Serena Williams
The Swedish star argued: “If you’re playing with Serena and it’s 15-30 and you get a backhand return, you have to make it – you have to make it every time.
”Without Serena, you can go for it; you can make a mistake. So I think for Carlos, this is an intensity that he has most probably never felt before. Even in a Wimbledon final, you wouldn’t feel that intensity when you’re playing against or with Serena.
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“She’s not playing great, most probably because she’s a little bit older and Carlos has to carry the team, but she makes all the decisions.
“For Carlos to have that outside voice talk to him while he’s playing, whether it’s [former coach] Juan Carlos Ferrero, who’s not there anymore, or somebody else, I think it’s really key when you play the US Open, because the first three games in the first round are massively important.
“And if you don’t have any intensity training, which he now does, I don’t think you can win those three games. And then you might lose in the first round. So for Alcaraz, this is huge practice.”
Alcaraz has since shared his feelings on having played with Serena, admitting his nerves were sky-high throughout. Perhaps Wilander might be onto something.
The results from practice sets Carlos Alcaraz has played before the US Open
It feels like Alcaraz has been one of the busiest players ahead of the US Open, clearly keen to get his eye in with some of the world’s best players before going to battle with them on the match court.
After all, the Spaniard has been pictured playing plenty of practice sets with the likes of Dani Merida, Arthur Fils, and now Karen Khachanov.
How far do you think Carlos Alcaraz will go at the US Open after four months out injured? 🤕
Having lost to his compatriot by a 7-5 scoreline, before Fils enjoyed a hefty 6-1 victory in their session.
However, Alcaraz has got back to winning ways just in time, defeating Khachanov most recently, 6-1.
