‘It’s not ideal’ – Carlos Alcaraz edges Madrid opener amid schedule concerns

Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz battled to an opening match victory at the Madrid Masters over Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili as he expressed his concerns about the timings of his matches. 

The new world number nine Alcaraz showed that he can win ugly and edge over the finish line even if he was not playing his most scintillating tennis.

Seeking a Spanish double following his fourth career title last week at the Barcelona Open, Alcaraz spent large periods of the match trailing but was still able to win in straight sets against the world number 27 with the score reading 6-3, 7-5.

Carlos Alcaraz, who was 1-3 down in the first set, was able to rally and rattle off the next five games in a row to take the first set.

He twice trailed by a break in the second but again raced through to the finish line by taking the final four games of the match, denying Basilashvili’s attempt to serve out the set in the process.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Alcaraz reflected on his performance saying he was happy with how be played as he told reporters, “I think I played really well. This is a tough opponent. He plays really hard. I think that the first match in every tournament is tough, but I was focused from the beginning to the end and I’m really happy to get into the next round.”

He also went on to discuss the crowd in the Spanish capital and how he was grateful for their support.

“I have felt very supported by all the people and it has been spectacular. Very fortunate to live these kinds of moments and that people love me so much.

“That they have stayed until the end to encourage me, I am very grateful. I would not have believed if They tell me that so many people on a Tuesday would have stayed up so late watching my game”.

However, Carlos Alcaraz admitted that playing so late “is not ideal” for his preparations for not only his singles campaign but also his doubles matches too – the first time he is competing on the ATP circuit a doubles event.

“Obviously I would prefer to play earlier because now, between one thing and another, I will go to bed very late. For recovery it is not ideal. I prefer to play earlier.”

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