Carlos Alcaraz's Nadal-like injuries at young age finds sympathy from Jimmy Connors

Jimmy Connors recently discussed how Carlos Alcaraz is facing injuries at a young age by pushing himself too much on the court, something both he and Rafael Nadal can relate to.

On the latest episode of the 'Advantage Connors' podcast, Jimmy Connors, along with his son Brett, discussed Alcaraz's absence from the upcoming Monte-Carlo Masters owing to discomfort in his spine and post-traumatic arthritis in his left hand.

Brett Connors initiated the conversation, pointing to how Alcaraz is facing injury issues again after having a successful season where he has won two titles already -- the Argetina Open and the Indian Wells Masters.

He also highlighted that after winning the US Open last year, Alcaraz was down again with an injury and had to miss the end of the season. This year too, after two titles, he has faced not one but two injuries, all while he is just nineteen years old.

Jimmy Connors weighed in, equating Alcaraz's situation to his and Nadal's younger days, as both players suffered injuries at a young age owing to constantly keeping the ball in play on the court and putting strain on their bodies.

"Takes me back a little bit cause he is young, he's nineteen or twenty years old and you know now this is the time, he should take advantage of being physically fit and young. But having said that, it is easy being said, but he does put a lot of strain on his body the way he moves and goes after every ball. I can identify with that, just like Nadal can, and the pressure that puts on you, mentally and physically," Connors said.

"But coming up with injuries at such a young age, if he (Carlos Alcaraz) is facing that now, what's it gonna be like a couple of years on the road? You know, I dont know what post traumatic stress is, I know about hip replacements and knee surgeries and all that but I don't know about that (post-tarumatic arthritis)," he added.

Brett Connors then speculated that either his injuries are worse than expected or considering that Carlos Alcaraz is young, the injuries may not be serious but his team is actively managing them to ensure that the young Spaniard gets adequate rest after continuously playing tennis for weeks on end.

"When you're out there, you give 110% to every shot"- Jimmy Connors on him, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal pushing themselves

Carlos Alcaraz and Nadal at the Mutua Madrid Open - Day Nine

On the podcast, Jimmy Connors and his son Brett also discussed the mental and physical aspects of injuries and how pushing the body to the limit to get ahead on the scoreboard can cause the body to retaliate, in the context of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal skipping the Monte-Carlo Masters.

Jimmy Connors was of the opinion that giving 110% to every shot can take its toll on the body, while at the same time declaring that it was also what separated the top players from the rest of the pack.

"I mean yeah, when you're out there you give it your 110% on every shot, on every point and that can affect you in a lot of ways. But on the other hand, I can say this because I had them myself and that's why you get paid the big bucks to be in shape. But I am also going to say this: Four tournaments in a row and winning them like [Carlos Alcaraz]sis, that is a lot," Connors stated.