‘I’m ready’: Carlos Alcaraz makes intentions clear ahead of Indian Wells

In his last appearance in official competition, Carlos Alcaraz lost in the final of the tournament in Rio de Janeiro against Cameron Norrie, visibly bothered by his right thigh. A few days later, the Spaniard withdrew from the ATP 500 in Acapulco, raising doubts about the 19-year-old’s fitness ahead of the first Masters 1000 of the season in Indian Wells.

These are questions that he wanted to sweep away when he spoke at the tournament’s media day:

“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.”

Alcaraz could return to world No 1

If he were to win the tournament in the desert, Alcaraz would take advantage of Novak Djokovic’s absence and regain the world No 1 spot nearly two months after losing it to the Serb.

“For me, winning the tournament and being No. 1 again is a really good goal and I really want to go for it.”

First hard court tournament of the year for Alcaraz

Indian Wells will be the first hard court tournament the young Spaniard will play this year, after prioritising the clay court swing in South America in February. He has not played on this surface since the Rolex Paris Masters last November.

“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.”

Alcaraz will make his debut at Indian Wells against the winner of the match between Thanasi Kokkinakis and Brandon Holt.

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