Eye of the Coach #95: Emotional Alcaraz needs to refresh mentally after US Open

Patrick Mouratoglou says that Carlos Alcaraz’s team needs to take a look at his schedule to ensure he gets a break – but for his mental health, not his physical health.

In the latest episode of Eye of the Coach, the Frenchman says that he wasn’t entirely surprised by the Spaniard’s exit in the second round of the US Open.

“I could feel already before the US Open that he was struggling mentally – not because he’s not good or he has a problem, but because it’s consuming, a Grand Slam,” says Mouratoglou.

KEY MOMENTS

0.01 – Mouratoglou knew Alcaraz was struggling mentally ahead of the US Open.
0.11 – Alcaraz’s achievements in the last three months are unbelievable. “Tennis is a lot about fighting your emotions,” says Mouratoglou. “You need to be fresh.”
0.35 – Mouratoglou says he always thought there was a question-mark over Alcaraz’s mental state going into the US Open. He did not expect him to lose in straight sets, but could sense his mental exhaustion: “That’s exactly the consequence of someone who is emotionally drained.”
0.59 – Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympics required his complete commitment because they mattered so much to him.
1.16 – Alcaraz is exceptional and is possibly the best player in the world when it comes to being on court.
1.37 – He is mentally strong, but is an emotional person.
1.43 – Alcaraz has cramped on court many times, and emotional people have to make great efforts to control their emotions and handle the pressure.
2.01 – Alcaraz knows that to win he has to play, and enjoy playing.
2.15 – Alcaraz’s team need to put together a calendar to ensure he has enough mental rest.