Carlos Alcaraz is back and he showed it immediately when he returned to the ATP Tour as he dominated at both events that he played.
The 19-year-old Spaniard signed up for the 2023 Argentina Open, which he comfortably won, but then, during another run to the final in Rio, he suffered an injury and lost to Cameron Norrie. The injury later forced him out of the 2023 Mexican Open in Acapulco, and his participation in Indian Wells was in doubt.
But now, Alcaraz is in the Californian desert, and ahead of the 2023 Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open, he dismissed any claims about possible injury as he already practices in the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
"I'm [feeling] really good right now. Today was the first practice that I practised with some players, [played] some points. I feel great. I took some days off and it was really good for me. Right now I'm ready."
If the teenager wins in Indian Wells, he will become the world no. 1 once again. To then keep his spot atop of the ATP Rankings, he will need to defend his title in Miami and Alcaraz is ready to do exactly that.
"It's a really good goal for me. Of course playing a Masters 1000 is always tough and I really want to have a good result here. I love this tournament as well. For me, winning the tournament and being No. 1 again is a really good goal and I really want to go for it."
Alcaraz, who started his 2023 season with two clay-court tournaments, also spoke about his hard-court qualities. Last year, the Spaniard won five titles, out of which two came on hard courts. On multiple occasions, he said that it's difficult to say if he prefers to play on hard or clay and his results just back his words.
"On hard court I think I'm a really good tennis player, so I'm going to go for it. I don't consider myself a favourite to win the tournament because [it has been] a long time since I played on hard court. Of course there are a lot of great players in this draw that have chances to win the tournament. I would say that I have my chances to win the tournament and I'm going to [try to] take it."
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