Carlos Alcaraz has reached the French Open semi-finals while still struggling to his forehand, according to his coach.
There was some uncertainty surrounding the fitness of the Spaniard after he skipped the Italian Open due to an arm injury, and missed the Monte-Carlo and Barcelona events for the same issue.
The 21-year-old was then filmed training at home in Murcia wearing a protective sleeve, which further fuelled doubts about his condition before the clay court Grand Slam.
But five matches into the tournament, Alcaraz has looked impressive and dropped just one set on the way to his French Open semi-final showdown with Jannik Sinner.
What did Carlos Alcaraz’s coach say about his forehand?
Despite the arm issues he was experiencing, Alcaraz has still been unleashing some monstrous forehands throughout his French Open campaign.
But the third seed’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero says he is still not hitting that shot with maximum power, which is a frightening thought for his opponents.
“Then, as for hitting his forehand at 100 percent, right now I’d say he’s at 95 percent,” the 2003 French Open champion told ATP media.
“He’s still struggling to hit it naturally like he did before because an arm injury like that always means your mind is slightly on it.”
Carlos Alcaraz will play Jannik Sinner at the French Open for the first time
Alcaraz will compete for a place in his first French Open final against Sinner, who is also trying to reach his first final in Paris.
They have played one another eight times and have four wins apiece in a rivalry that is shaping up to be one for the ages.
It is tough to predict who will win what is due to be a titanic battle in the French capital, even for Ferrero, who assessed the blockbuster matchup.
“This year, with the injury we’ve had, people may think he’s not the favourite,” he added. “Carlos and the group are aware that if he can find his level he has a big chance of winning any tournament he plays in.
“Is he the favourite for tomorrow? I think it’s a match in which both players have missed tournaments through injury. It’s hard to pick a favourite.
“Let’s hope they both play a great match so they can feed off one another and they can both come out of it feeling positive.”
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