Carlos Alcaraz has declared he feels no pressure in attempting to successfully defend an ATP Masters 1000 title for the first time.
He will attempt to do that in front of the adoring fans of his home country's capital. The World No. 2 will kick off his campaign for the title at the Madrid Open this week, hoping to retain the trophy he won last season in such spectacular fashion.
Alcaraz memorably - and perhaps historically - defeated both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, back-to-back to win the prestigious clay-court Masters event with simply scintillating performances last spring.
It was arguably the breakout tournament of the year for him, other than the US Open triumph in September, in a year full of such moments.
This year, the Spanish teenage sensation returns to the Caja Magica with both Djokovic and Nadal absent, but is not short of potential challengers to his Madrid Open crown.
Despite this, Alcaraz appears relaxed as he talks to press ahead of the tournament, insisting he feels no extra pressure and instead wishes to focus on entertaining his home crowd and pleasing people with exciting tennis.
I will try to enjoy it and give enjoyment to others, which is the important thing. I’m going to try to take the pressure off and not think about all the people who are watching. I want to enjoy it and make other people happy.
Indeed, rather than feeling the pressure, the level-headed teenager is looking to use the crowd's energy as an added tool for him to succeed at the tournament.
It always motivates me that my family and friends are watching and supporting me. I look at that as the opposite of pressure. It is a pleasure to be able to play in front of my people and to do it here in Spain. For me it is wonderful to be able to enjoy having all these people here.
The defending champion will start his campaign on Friday in what is sure to be a sell-out event.
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