ATP Masters Miami: Carlos Alcaraz - "I don't feel the pressure too much"
Carlos Alcaraz has to defend his title in Miami to remain number one in the world after the tournament in Florida. The 19-year-old doesn't want to put any additional pressure on himself.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Mar 21, 2023, 09:14 pm
With his tournament victory in Indian Wells, Carlos Alcaraz returned to the top of the world rankings, but the 19-year-old Spaniard could already leave the place in the sun again on April 3rd. Namely, if he does not succeed in defending his title at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami.
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However, Alcaraz does not prepare sleepless nights due to the quite special starting position. "I don't feel the pressure too much. I know what things I have to do," said the industry leader at a press conference in Florida. The goal is always the same: "I want to feel good on the pitch."
Alcaraz felt extremely comfortable in Miami last season. For the first time in his career he secured a Masters 1000 title, including victories over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Hubert Hurkacz and Casper Ruud. "I remember last year. It was an incredible feeling with this audience," said Alcaraz.
Alcaraz: "You have to get better every day"
A new tournament is coming up this year. "I always say that everything can still be improved a bit," explained Alcaraz, who only dropped one sentence on the way to the title last year. "You have to get better every day." Not least Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer would have proven that.
For known reasons, none of the "Big Three" will be at the start in Miami. The biggest competitor for the tournament victory in Florida should once again be Daniil Medvedev for Alcaraz. The Russian didn't stand a chance in the Indian Wells final, but the conditions in Florida should suit him better than those in the Californian desert. Alcaraz could only face a duel with Medvedev in the final.
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