Tennis News Today: Faults in Carlos Alcaraz's scheduling called out by Serena Williams' ex-coach with Nadal, Federer, Djokovic as examples; Jannik Sinner celebrates US Open victory with children back home
Serena Williams' ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou had some thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz's career with regards to his scheduling and drew comparisons to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. Jannik Sinner is taking a little time off after his triumph at the US Open.
The Italian is back home for a couple of weeks and delighted some young fans by spending some time with them. Fans were excited to see Nadal compete at the upcoming Laver Cup after a brief hiatus.
The Spaniard has been out of action since his loss at the Paris Olympics. However, he has now withdrawn from the tournament. Djokovic will head to Argentina in December to play an exhibition match against Juan Martin del Potro in a memorable send-off for the latter.
Here's a quick look into the day's biggest headlines:
Rafael Nadal gives more insight about his decision to skip the Laver Cup
Nadal was set to return to the tour at the upcoming Laver Cup, which will be held from September 20-22, in Berlin, Germany. However, the tournament's official social media handle announced the Spaniard's decision to withdraw on Thursday (September 12).
Nadal made a statement via the tournament's social media handles and expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete. However, he felt that it was in the best interest of the team, and another in-form player would be better suited to steer them towards victory.
"I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week. This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win," - Nadal on his decision to withdraw.
Nadal also looked back fondly at all the memories he made at the Laver Cup, and wanted to compete this year as it marks Bjorn Borg's final year as the captain of Team Europe. He concluded the message with his best wishes for his teammates.
"I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn in his final year as Captain. I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar," - Nadal added.
Nadal's replacement will be announced soon. However, he's not the only player to pull out of the Laver Cup. Tommy Paul and Alex de Minaur also withdrew due to their respective injuries, and Francisco Cerundolo and Thanasi Kokkinakis were called in to take their place in Team World.
Jannik Sinner pays a surprise visit to a children's soccer game in his hometown
Sinner is currently on top of the world after winning the US Open 2024, the second Major title of his career. He's now back in his native Italy after an impressive campaign in North America, during which he also won the Cincinnati Open.
The World No. 1, who's from South Tyrol in Italy, made a surprise appearance at a children's soccer game in his hometown. The kids were over the moon after seeing Sinner, and the latter spent a considerable amount of time interacting with them.
Here's a video of Sinner meeting up with the children:
Sinner is taking some well-deserved rest at the moment after his campaign in the US. He will return to the tour to defend his title at the China Open in Beijing, which will begin on September 23.
Novak Djokovic to play an exhibition match in Argentina for Juan Martin del Potro's farewell
Del Potro's career remains one of the biggest what-ifs in tennis. He was a talented player who dealt with numerous injuries right from the start of his career. He started dealing with health issues right after his triumph at the US Open in 2009, in which he stunned five-time defending champion Roger Federer in the final.
Del Potro made numerous comebacks over the years, with his most successful one being in 2018. He won his first Masters title at Indian Wells, and reached his second Major final at the US Open as well, losing to Djokovic.
That would be the last time he played for most of the season. He played 12 matches in 2019, and only one in 2022. He tried to get back in top shape for the US Open 2023 but it wasn't meant to be.
Del Potro always wanted to play one final match in front of his home crowd, and Djokovic has now helped him fulfill that wish. The Argentine posted a video on how it all came together as well, with the Serb also conversing in Spanish with him.
"I have a dream. I want to play my last match in Argentina and I want you to come," Del Potro said to Djokovic (translated from Spanish).
"Are you kidding me? Obviously I'm coming. For you, in Argentina, of course." (translated from Spanish)
The exhibition match, dubbed "The Last Challenge", will take place on December 1, at the Mary Teran de Weiss Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Serena Williams' ex-coach calls on Carlos Alcaraz to improve his scheduling to avoid fatigue
Williams' ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou had some insights into Alcaraz's season so far. The Spaniard won the French Open and Wimbledon but crashed out in the second round of the US Open.
As per Mouratoglou, Alcaraz felt that his desire to win everything overwhelmed him in the end and left him drained in all aspects. He wanted to win so badly that it left him completely burnt out. The Frenchman detailed his thoughts in an Instagram reel.
"He put everything, mentally, emotionally, of course, physically and tennis-wise, on the table to win them, because it's got counted so much. And when it counts so much for you, emotionally, it's draining. He was exhausted, mentally exhausted," Mouratoglou said.
Mouratoglou further added that Alcaraz has already suffered from cramping in the middle of matches a few times at a young age. He compared him to Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, who rarely dealt with the same, and felt the young Spaniard was too emotional.
"He's very, very emotional. We've seen him cramp many times already. If you look at Roger, Rafa, and Novak, have you seen them cramp once in a match? All their careers? He cramped many times already, only at 20. He's an emotional player," he added.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, is leading Spain's charge at the Davis Cup this week. He won both of his matches as his team beat the Czech Republic 3-0. They will next take on France on September 13.