Carlos Alcaraz ‘finally’ returns to the ATP tour after three months out
Carlos Alcaraz has made his long awaited return to the ATP Tour, after being out with injury since November, and got off to a good start with a win over Laslo Djere in Buenos Aires.
Alcaraz had an incredible 2022, winning five titles including the US Open and two Masters 1000 crowns, consequently ending the year as the youngest ever No.1.
However, his groundbreaking season was cut short after suffering an abdominal tear at the indoor Paris Masters, meaning that he would be out for six weeks.
The 19-year-old returned at the end of last year to participate in some exhibition tournaments, and seemed to be ready to go for the Australian swing.
But, in January it was revealed that he had obtained a ‘chance’ leg injury and would miss the first major of the year, meaning that he lost his No.1 ranking.
When I was at my best in preseason, I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training. This time it's the semimembranosus muscle in my right leg. pic.twitter.com/nJbIlMtGyK
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 6, 2023
The Spaniard made his return on the clay of Buenos Aires this week, defeating Laslo Djere, 6-2 4-6 6-2.
“It’s a great feeling to win again,” Alcaraz said. “It’s been a long time for me with no competition, with no matches, just recovering. Finally I got my first win of 2023.”
He continued, “I’m really happy [in Buenos Aires]. I didn’t expect such a great crowd, a great atmosphere behind me.”
“So I just can say thank you to all the fans here in Buenos Aires for the warm welcome that I received in this first match and I hope to keep going with this energy.”
The No.2 continues his bid for a seventh career title against another Serb, in his quarter-final match against Dusan Lajovic. Alcaraz has played Lajovic on one previous occasion, beating him in straight sets at last year’s Australian Open.
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