World number two Carlos Alcaraz is gearing up for two high-profile exhibitions next Wednesday, facing the world’s top player Novak Djokovic in Riyadh as he closes out 2023. A day later, he will meet fierce rival Roberto Bautista in Murcia. The pair of showcases underscore the Spaniard’s bid to maintain momentum heading into a busy 2024 calendar.
The coaching team around the Wimbledon champion has recently included the academy staff led by Juan Carlos Ferrero, who was seen in Villena before traveling to El Palmar in the Murcia region, the area he represents. Amid questions about who will guide his program in the weeks ahead, former coach Samuel López has stepped in while Ferrero recovers from knee surgery. The immediate focus, however, remains fixed on the Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam, scheduled in Melbourne from January 14 to 28. Travel and training plans indicate Alcaraz will be fully fit and eager to compete in Melbourne after the injury that sidelined him for part of the 2023 season.
The Riyadh exhibition will be broadcast live on DAZN at 17:15 CET, with the Murcia event scheduled to follow roughly a day later on 7RM, the regional broadcaster. This sequence mirrors Alcaraz’s approach to balancing global exposure with regional engagement as he builds towards the new year’s challenges.
Ticket sales in his home region have been brisk since the announcement. A notable portion of the 7,500 tickets priced at five euros each sold out within ninety minutes of going on sale on December 12, reflecting strong local support. In a spirit of community, fans have also been linking up on social media to purchase extra tickets for charity appearances, with some supporters reselling seats to raise funds for good causes.
During training in Villena, Alcaraz shared the court with notable peers including Italian star Jannik Sinner, currently ranked fourth in the world, and Flavio Cobolli from Italy, who sits around the top 150. These practice sessions highlight the premium level of competition that surrounds Alcaraz as he fine-tunes his game ahead of the new season.
Behind the scenes, Alcaraz’s program is anchored by his long-time collaboration with coach Alberto Lledó and the physiotherapy team led by Juan José Moreno. The group has been actively managing his fitness and recovery, ensuring he arrives at the new year with a clear plan and renewed strength. In a direct message to his followers during the holiday period, the player conveyed a resolute mindset and confidence for what lies ahead, signaling that he intends to approach 2024 with greater resilience and focus.