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Carlos Alcaraz has been going against the grain at this year\u2019s US Open, opting not to train on his days in between matches. The world No 1 sparked concern when he wore strapping on his thigh during his match against Matteo Arnaldi but claimed it was just for precaution. And Alcaraz\u2019s explanation for taking rest days at Grand Slams has nothing to do with injuries.<\/p>\n
A two-time Major winner, the US Open isn\u2019t the first or last tournament where Alcaraz has opted not to train entirely on his days in between matches. The 20-year-old used the tactic 12 months ago, as well as at this year\u2019s French Open and Wimbledon.<\/p>\n
At the latter event, the Spaniard also chose not to practice on the day before the final. And he still managed to defeat Novak Djokovic in five sets, becoming the first man in 10 years to beat the Serb on Centre Court. Alcaraz has since reused the tactic in New York, as he didn\u2019t hit the day before his match against Arnaldi or before his quarter-final against Alexander Zverev.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are days when I dedicate my time to fitness and not tennis,\u201d the reigning US Open champion explained, per the ATP.\u00a0 \u201cThere are a lot of days when I prefer to work on load training and fitness, rather than practise tennis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive tennis news<\/strong><\/p>\n Just in <\/strong> Gauff’s coach takes aim at US Open rival and asks Sky Sports to change schedule[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n Alcaraz still practised on the days ahead of his first, second and third-round matches in Flushing Meadows. But at this year\u2019s French Open, he didn\u2019t step onto a tennis court on any of his days off. At the time, he said: \u201cI haven\u2019t been training on the days I haven\u2019t played and it\u2019s worked well.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m doing things very well and I feel good. Mentally, I\u2019m fresh. Why change things if it\u2019s working?\u201d At last year\u2019s US Open, Alcaraz arguably didn\u2019t need any extra time on the court after some of his thrilling matches.<\/p>\n The world No 1 needed five hours and 15 minutes to defeat Jannik Sinner in the quarter-final as the match finished at\u00a02.50am, becoming the latest in US Open history. He needed another four hours to beat Frances Tiafoe in the semi-final.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/72\/590x\/secondary\/4946771.jpg?r=1694021825137\")
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