Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz straight back to winning ways at Hopman Cup
- Planet Sport writer
- 22 July 2023
The 20-year-old Spaniard admitted he was "a little tired" but chose to honour his commitments at the team-based international exhibition event.
Carlos Alcaraz returned to action for Spain at the Hopman Cup only five days after lifting the Wimbledon trophy.
The 20-year-old Spaniard swapped grass for clay at the exhibition event, which was a season-opener in Perth until 2019 before being revived this year in Nice.
Newly clean shaven, Alcaraz understandably took some time to adapt to the change of surface as he took on Belgium's David Goffin.
But the world number one, who defeated Novak Djokovic brilliantly over five sets at the All England Club on Sunday, recovered from a set and a break down to claim a 4-6 6-4 (10-8) victory.
It was not enough to secure the win for Spain, though, with Rebeka Masarova losing her singles clash to Elise Mertens, while she and Alcaraz were beaten 6-3 6-1 in the deciding mixed doubles.
Spain need to beat Croatia on Saturday to have a chance of reaching the final.
Speaking to reporters prior to his opening match, Alcaraz said he still struggled to believe he was a Wimbledon champion.
"Thinking I won Wimbledon is tough to believe. I can't believe that I won and beat Novak (Djokovic), probably it will take some days to believe," he said.
"I'm a little bit tired, I'm not going to lie.
"I had some days off to rest a little bit. I'm feeling great right now. I'm here to make people happy watching the match."
After the Hopman Cup, Alcaraz will head to North America for the Masters 1000 event in Toronto from August 7 and Cincinnati from August 13.
