Carlos Alcaraz: "What I improved the most is the mentality"
Carlos Alcaraz impressively retaliated against Daniil Medvedev at the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 event. The Spaniard then spoke about the keys to success.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Mar 20, 2023, 09:49 pm
The Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 event really couldn't have gone much better for Carlos Alcaraz, whose injury worries in the run-up to the hard court classic did not necessarily make this successful run foreseeable. In the end, it was a real demonstration of power by the 19-year-old, who catapulted himself back to the top of the ATP world rankings. Which of course is also related to the absence of Novak Djokovic.
"I'm not going to say it will be easy, but it was easier because Djokovic didn't play. But being number 1 and going to Miami gives me a lot of confidence to do my best there," said Alcaraz , who is also traveling to Miami as the defending champion. And who should actually defend the title in Hardrock Stadium if the youngster doesn't want to give up the number one position to Novak Djokovic anytime soon.
Alcaraz and bad luck with injuries
However, this should only be of secondary importance for the US Open winner from 2022. Especially since the Spaniard had been plagued by injuries again and again. "I started the season very well after winning in Buenos Aires and reaching the final in Rio, but I've struggled a lot with injuries this season," explained Alcaraz. "Injuring my legs for four months made it difficult for me to stay mentally strong because I missed tournaments that I wanted to play."
The teenager also had to cancel the ATP 500 event in Acapulco after the successful South American clay court tour - only to return to the tour in such a dominant way in Indian Wells. And of all things with a successful revenge against Daniil Medvedev, whom Alcaraz had to admit defeat in their first meeting almost two years ago. "I was new to the tour at the time," Alcaraz recalls.
A lot has changed now - for the better, as Alcaraz emphasized: "What I've improved the most is my mentality. I've gained a lot of experience since that game," said the Iberian after winning the title in Indian Wells. "I've played a lot of great games and won a lot of titles, which gave me a lot of confidence and experience. Now I know how to deal with difficult moments."