Carlos Alcaraz Reveals His Strategy to Overcome Point Defending Pressure at Sunshine Double

Sunday, 12 March 2023 at 19:35

Updated at Tuesday, 07 January 2025 at 15:40

byErik Virostko

Carlos Alcaraz faces a difficult task at the 2023 Indian Wells and Miami Open, but he's ready to tackle it.

Last year, the teenager reached the semi-finals in Indian Wells, and he won the title in Miami. That means that now he has to defend a total of 1,360 points, which could cause a major drop for him in the rankings if he doesn't succeed on the mission.

But according to his own words, he really enjoys playing in Indian Wells and is ready to face the challenge. In the second round, Alcaraz won his opening match against Thanasi Kokkinakis, beating the Australian 6-3, 6-3.

"I feel really comfortable playing here, staying here. I felt the love since I came onto the court. I have great memories, I made my first semi-finals at a Masters 1000 here, had that match against Rafa... It's so special to come back here."

The Spaniard also talked about his play style and why he thinks people enjoy it. Alcaraz is one of the fan favorites, and no matter where he plays in the world, he always gets a lot of support.

"I would say I played my best, apart from everything: the points that I have to defend, the semi-finals that I have to defend. I tried not to think about that, just to play my game, to enjoy playing here. Of course I tried to make people enjoy watching tennis here... That's what I liked from tonight."

"I try to make the people enjoy watching tennis, and I think the way that I play, they love it or it seems like that. I felt the love from the people. I think the US Open helped me a lot, to have a lot of people behind me, supporting me. I would say the way that I play, they love to watch."

Before traveling to Indian Wells, Alcaraz had to deal with an injury scare, but according to his own words, he's ready now.

"Yeah, I recovered really well. It seems today that I move really well. I felt really comfortable playing here. More movement here. So I think I'm ready and totally recovered from the injury."