Carlos Alcaraz admits it was ‘difficult to stay focussed’ with sporting legends watching
Carlos Alcaraz has continued his bid to become the eighth man in history to complete the sunshine double in singles, with the Spaniard having some sporting greats watching on in the crowd.
Alcaraz beat former top 10 player Gael Monfils, 6-2 6-4, in a one hour and 15 minute match last night at the Miami Open.
The 20-year-old praised the Frenchman when speaking about his own performance, “He’s a great athlete. He reaches almost every ball. But at the same time, with my forehand, my best shot, I tried to move him around the court, tried to get him tired a little bit and give myself the chance to dominate the point, trying to go to the net and hitting my best shots.”
The match was on looked by the likes of Brazilian footballer Neymar, NBA star Jimmy Butler and former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and Alcaraz admitted that he was a little bit distracted, “It’s kind of difficult to stay focussed on the match, having such legends from every sport. It’s great for me.
“I try to show great tennis, try to make them happy as well, make them enjoy watching my games. It’s a great opportunity to have them here, to talk with them a little bit. It’s great to put on a show in front of them.”
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⚽️ Neymar Jr
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— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 26, 2024
Alcaraz will look to move closer to the Miami Open crown later today, when he plays world No.24 Lorenzo Musetti.
Inside the baseline…
Although Carlos Alcaraz claimed he was a bit distracted with sporting greats in the crowd, the Spaniard certainly did not seem it and beat Gael Monfils comfortably. The world No.2 appears to be taking the sunshine double bid in his stride, and the prospect of an Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner final is becoming more and more likely.
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