INDIAN WELLS: Carlos Alcaraz, the second-ranked player in the world, declares that he’s put recent injury worries behind him as he directs his attention towards safeguarding his title at the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters.
Alcaraz, who triumphed over Daniil Medvedev in the final in the California desert a year ago, left no room for doubt on Wednesday regarding his intentions for 2024. “I’m here to defend,” asserted the 20-year-old. “I understand it’s challenging. The world’s finest tennis players are here, some exhibiting exceptional tennis this year. It’s going to be a formidable task, but I’m fully committed to it.” Alcaraz hasn’t clinched a title since his remarkable Wimbledon victory against Novak Djokovic last year. His journey was marred by a four-set loss to Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open quarter-finals, followed by a semi-final exit in Buenos Aires last month.
An ankle injury further added to his woes, leading to his withdrawal just minutes into his first-round match at Rio de Janeiro. “Perhaps some are concerned about my ankle, wondering if I’m at full capacity,” he acknowledged. “However, I’m feeling much better now.” Alcaraz put his ankle to the test over the weekend in Las Vegas, where he triumphed over his tennis idol Rafael Nadal in an exhibition match. “My focus is solely on defending my title; I’m not entertaining any other thoughts,” reiterated Alcaraz, who dismantled Medvedev in last year’s final to reclaim the world’s top ranking.
Since then, Djokovic has reclaimed the number one spot and is making his return to Indian Wells for the first time since 2019, with the event canceled in 2020 and his inability to participate in 2021-23 due to US travel restrictions on unvaccinated individuals. Djokovic is vying for an unprecedented sixth Indian Wells crown, sharing the record for most titles with Roger Federer, having won in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Meanwhile, Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner is closing in on Alcaraz’s number two ranking.
The always-smiling Spaniard confessed that the competition at the summit and the heightened attention he’s received can be demanding to navigate. “I try not to dwell too much on success; I strive to distance myself from the commotion,” he remarked. “But managing it can be challenging. I aim to relish my time on the court.
Occasionally, tough moments may arise, but I concentrate on myself and my team. I endeavor to maintain a smile at all times,” he added. “Humor helps me remain true to myself. Fame and recognition are mostly positive, but there are moments when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and just wish to escape notice. However, I appreciate it when people know me, recognize me—that’s a plus.”
