Frustrations at the 2025 US Open
During the practice sessions at the 2025 US Open, Carlos Alcaraz expressed frustration due to an intrusive camera that was positioned directly above him on the practice court. The young Spaniard arrived in New York after clinching the Cincinnati title, marking a strong lead-up to his favorite Grand Slam tournament—the US Open, where he notably secured his first major title in 2022.
Practice Challenges
As Alcaraz entered his fifth championship at the Billy Jean King National Tennis Center, he was well-acquainted with the venue, yet he encountered unexpected annoyances. A particularly bothersome incident arose while he was practicing with Karen Khachanov, another Top 10 player who, being on the opposite side of the draw, poses no threat until a potential final matchup.
During their session, Alcaraz sought a reprieve from the blazing sun by moving to a shaded bench and inviting Khachanov to join him there. However, their practice was complicated by the presence of a camera overhead, streaming their session live, which could allow rivals to eavesdrop on any strategic discussions. Recognizing the risk, Alcaraz promptly advised his team to avoid discussing any game tactics while gesturing irritably at the intrusive camera.
Preparing for the First Round
The session continued as planned, with both players getting ready for their respective first-round encounters in the season’s concluding Grand Slam event. In light of his first-round opponent, Reilly Opelka, known for his formidable serve, Alcaraz finds himself in search of a suitable practice partner. Typically, left-handed players or those with powerful serves can be challenging to find for such sessions; however, they are also highly sought after.
Alcaraz’s best option for a practice partner, given Opelka’s serving style, might be Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, whose serve bears similarities. Other potential partners could include top players like Taylor Fritz, Jakub Mensik, Alexander Zverev, or Felix Auger-Aliassime, who can help him prepare for the demanding match ahead.
