TENNIS
Alcaraz looking to win Indian Wells and take back No. 1 spot
The Spanish superstar is one of the heavy favorites to lift the trophy in California with Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal not competing in the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz wants to repeat last year’s solid start of the hard-court season in Indian Wells this week, where he will be competing for the third time.
The 19-year-old seems injury-free after suffering a hamstring problem during the Rio Open final in February, where he ended up losing a close contest to Brit Cameron Norrie in three sets.
However, the current world’s No. 2 has quickly recovered and will be looking to win his third ATP Masters 1000 title.
“I’m feeling really good right now. Today was the first practice that I practiced with some players and played some points. I feel great. I took some days off and it was really good for me. Right now I’m ready”, he said at the tournament’s media day.
Alcaraz wants the title and… the No. 1 spot back
The Murcia native will likely be confident and motivated going into the Californian tournament, as hard courts are one of his favorite surfaces and he’s aware that by going all the way he will overtake Novak Djokovic in the race for the ATP rankings’ top spot.
The current US Open champion admitted that the possibility of being the best tennis player in the world again is something that really motivates him.
“For me, winning the tournament and being No. 1 again is a really good goal and I really want to go for it. On the hard courts, I think I’m a really good tennis player, so I’m going to go for it”, he admitted.
Although legends Djokovic and Nadal won’t be playing, Alcaraz will have to deal with players like Jannick Sinner, Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev if he wants to end up reigning supreme in Indian Wells.