Photo via Yahoo Sports

Carlos Alcaraz claimed to be making a mistake with his attitude when he plays tennis

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his third ATP 500 final of 2023 at the Japan Open in Tokyo, overcoming Spaniard Jaume Munar in a hard-fought three-set match (5-7, 6-3, 6-1). The victory marked Alcaraz’s return to competitive play after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury, following his US Open quarterfinal appearance and a key role in Europe’s Laver Cup triumph.

Despite his progress, British No. 9 Liam Broady suggested Alcaraz’s on-court demeanor may be hindering his performance, referencing the Spaniard’s recent habit of leaving matches with a smile—even after exits like his US Open loss.

Broady, speaking to Sky Sports Tennis, questioned whether Alcaraz’s expressive style could benefit from the intense focus seen in past tennis legends, though he acknowledged Munar’s physical exertion in the match. Alcaraz, now one win away from a third title of the year, will face Czech player Jiří Lehečka in the final, where he holds a 3-1 head-to-head advantage.

The 23-year-old has struggled in first sets during the tournament, losing the opener to Munar and dropping tiebreaks in three prior matches, yet has rallied to win each of his Tokyo encounters so far.

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