Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted TENNIS NEWS

Tim Henman has hailed Carlos Alcaraz for chasing a record held by Rafael Nadal after winning his fifth Masters 1000 title with his victory at the 2024 Indian Wells Open. 

The former world No 4 also stressed the importance of Alcaraz staying injury-free, while Laura Robson suggested the Spaniard is more at risk of physical issues because of the way he moves on court.

Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (5), 6-1 in the final in Indian Wells on Sunday to defend his title at the event and win his fifth ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

The world No 2, aged 20, became just the second player after his legendary compatriot Nadal to win five or more Masters 1000 events before turning 21.

Alcaraz will not match Nadal’s incredible record of winning nine crowns at this level before 21 as he will celebrate his 21st birthday on May 5, but he can take his tally to seven if he wins upcoming Masters 1000 events in Miami and Monte Carlo.

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The Spaniard’s triumph in Indian Wells was his first title since winning the 2023 Wimbledon Championships in July. He will next compete at the Miami Open, where he won his maiden Masters 1000 tournament in 2022.

READ MORE: Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener

Speaking on Sky Sports following Alcaraz’s victory, Henman lauded the success the two-time Grand Slam champion is having at such a young age and also the fact his physicality is one of his biggest assets.

“The vast majority of players now, given the physicality, it takes longer for these players to break through. And so for me, it adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20, but to have that physicality as well,” the six-time major semi-finalist said.

“So to see him chasing Rafa with five Masters 1000s [before 21], it’s amazing. And given that mindset, given his team, the hunger and desire and motivation… He has to stay injury-free, we saw him twist his ankle on the clay down in South America, so you’ve always got to be wary of that.”

Robson argued, though, that some of the injury issues Alcaraz has dealt with in his career could be a result of his sliding.

“But, do you feel like he’s going to pick up more injuries anyway because of the way he moves, because he’s sliding so much on his outside legs,” the former world No 27 said.

“I feel like that’s a riskier play. It obviously works for him, but at the same time, I think maybe you’ve gotta accept that you might pick up a few more niggles.”

READ MORE: WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’