Dani Merida honestly rates Carlos Alcaraz’s level after beating him in a practice set ahead of the US Open
Spanish tennis is experiencing a great period of strength at the moment, with Carlos Alcaraz naturally leading the way.
However, when he suffered a wrist injury back in April, a power vacuum opened up, which many sought to fill.
For the past four months, plenty of his compatriots have sought to step up in his absence, and whilst reaching his level in such a short space of time was nearly impossible, the likes of Rafael Jodar, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Daniel Merida have certainly tried.
The latter has been in close contact with Carlos Alcaraz, it seems, during his rehabilitation.
In fact, he was even gifted the opportunity to practice with the 23-year-old ahead of the US Open, where both will be present in the main draw.
Daniel Merida reacts after training with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the US Open
Chatting with MARCA, the rising star was more than happy to discuss Alcaraz and his recovery, having trained with him very recently.
Merida first explained how the union came about: “Samuel López spoke with my coach. When we knew Carlos was definitely coming to play, we tried to arrange some practice sessions with him.
How far do you think Carlos Alcaraz will go at the US Open after four months out injured? 🤕
“He’s a great player, and you always want to practice with people like him at tournaments like this. I was really happy to have shared the court with him on Centre Court at the US Open. I’d say it was an incredible experience.”
Merida actually beat Alcaraz in a practice set by a 7-5 scoreline, but the 19-year-old used this as an opportunity to herald the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s level despite losing.
He insisted: “Yes, it was a good set. Carlos is playing well, but obviously after four months without competing, it shows a bit. I felt very good and played with confidence.”
Merida added, on Alcaraz’s level: “Alcaraz has a very high level of tennis. As soon as he gets into a rhythm, plays some matches, and overcomes his wrist injury, we’ll see him at the same level we’ve always seen him at.”
Carlos Alcaraz also played a practice set vs Arthur Fils this week
This has been a busy week for Alcaraz.
After all, as well as practising with Merida, he also joined up with Serena Williams to compete in the US Open mixed doubles format.
Who will win this year’s US Open men’s singles event?
Vote now!
Amidst all this action, he also somehow managed to squeeze in a practice set against the new Cincinnati Open champion, Arthur Fils, with the Frenchman winning 1-6 and 2-3 before they halted play.
Concerns have emerged over Alcaraz’s level during the mixed doubles, and results like this will not help ease fears.
