Alcaraz talks up Indian Wells chances: “I”m here to defend the title”

The Spaniard says the ankle injury he suffered in Rio is getting better all the time

March 7, 2024

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz laid down a warning to his rivals in Indian Wells these next two weeks, saying: “I’m coming here to defend the title”.

The Spaniard arrived in the desert fresh from playing with Rafael Nadal in the “Netflix Slam” exhibition event in Las Vegas on Monday but has been nursing an ankle issue since Rio last month.

But the world No 2 says things have been improving and he is raring to go at a venue he loves.

“I’m coming here to defend the title,” he told reporters in Indian Wells on Wednesday. “It’s difficult…there are the best tennis players in the world, some of them are playing great tennis this year. I know it’s going to be really difficult, but I’m here to do it. I’m here to try to defend the title. I’ve been feeling well in practice.”

World No. 2, Carlos Alcaraz practice session with Tommy Paull.

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Alcaraz says ankle is better

Alcaraz looked to be moving well against Nadal on Monday and says he can’t wait to play his first match on Friday, a second-round encounter against Matteo Arnaldi of Italy.

“Probably some people are thinking about my ankle,” he said. “Let’s see if I’m going to stay 100 per cent or not, but I’m feeling better as well. So let’s see how the tournament is going to go. But I’m here to defend and I’m not I’m not thinking about anything else but that.”

Alcaraz won the title in style 12 months ago and said he enjoys the conditions in the desert, where the ball goes fast through the air but where the court itself is relatively slow.

“It’s great to be back. I’m really happy to be able to play here again, a place that I love to play,” he said. “I love being here. I get so much peace here, so it’s great.”