Carlos Alcaraz provides injury update ahead of first Indian Wells match
Carlos Alcaraz has updated fans on his fitness, ahead of his first Indian Wells match, after picking up an injury in the Rio Open final two weeks ago.
Alcaraz obtained a hamstring injury in his defeat to Cameron Norrie, and subsequently withdrew from the tournament in Acapulco.
However, the Spaniard spoke of how he was feeling much better ahead of his third BNP Paribas Open, “I’m [feeling] really good right now.”
The No.2 added, “Today was the first practice that I practiced 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.”
Practice in Paradise 🌴@carlosalcaraz x @FTiafoe pic.twitter.com/8xKHcvpbbf
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 8, 2023
Not only does Alcaraz have the prospect of adding another Masters 1000 title to his resume, he could also return to No.1 if he is victorious in the desert.
The US Open champion comes into the tournament as the top seed after Novak Djokovic had to withdraw due to his vaccination status.
The 19-year-old did not shy away from the prospect of dethroning Djokovic at the top of the rankings, “For me, winning the tournament and being No. 1 again is a really good goal and I really want to go for it.”
If Alcaraz wants to be No.1 at the end of the sunshine double he will need to win Indian Wells, and retain his title in Miami.
Indian Wells will be Alcaraz’s first hard court tournament since getting injured at the Paris Masters event last year.
Alcaraz opted for the clay on his return to the tour last month, but is looking forward to returning to the surface that provided him with his only Grand Slam title to date.
“On hard court I think I’m a really good tennis player, so I’m going to go for it,” said Alcaraz.
He continued, “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 received a bye to the second round, and will take to the court on Saturday against Thanasi Kokkinakis in a first time meeting.
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