“It was arrogance but it wouldn’t come across as that”- Carlos Alcaraz’s former hitting partner recalls preparing him for a match against Rafael Nada
Rafael Nadal (L), Carlos Alcaraz (R) | Getty
Rafael Nadal (L), Carlos Alcaraz (R) | Getty
Mike Digby, current coach of Tamara Zidansek, reflected on his time as a hitting partner for Carlos Alcaraz at the 2021 Madrid Open. He worked with the Spaniard ahead of his ‘daunting’ match against Rafael Nadal and highlighted how Alcaraz exuded remarkable confidence, making it clear that even then, he knew the 21-year-old belonged at the top level of the sport.
Digby, who was a hitting partner for Novak Djokovic, worked as a Practice Partner at the Madrid Open in 2021. He warmed up a teenage Alcaraz for a match against his idol and top seed at the event, Nadal.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Digby explained that Alcaraz had a unique “aura” and “presence,” traits that hinted at his future greatness. He noted that even at such a young age, Alcaraz carried himself with the confidence of someone destined for the top.
“We talked about aura. He [Carlos Alcaraz] had this presence and aura, even at that age of like, ‘Yeah, this is where I’m going to be. This is where I belong. And I know I’m going to be here for the rest of my career,'” Digby said.
“It was the arrogance, but it wouldn’t come across as that because he had to smile on his face and walk around saying hello to everyone. But it was, it was that sense of real confidence and arrogance around the way he was doing things,” he added.
Mike Digby reveals how Carlos Alcaraz was oozing confidence ahead of his “daunting” match against Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz against Rafael Nadal (not seen in the image) at the Madrid Open 2021 (Image: Getty)
Carlos Alcaraz against Rafael Nadal (not seen in the image) at the Madrid Open 2021 (Image: Getty)
Mike Digby described the match against Rafael Nadal as a ‘daunting’ challenge. However, he highlighted how Carlos Alcaraz, despite his young age, exuded unwaverin
g confidence.
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