Top seed Carlos Alcaraz shrugged off a recent injury scare by producing an impressive display during his opening match at the Indian Wells Masters.
Alcaraz, who has been nursing a minor hamstring problem in recent days, eased his way to a 6-3, 6-3, win over Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis in just under 80 minutes. The dominant performance saw the world No.2 win 84% of his service points as he hit 21 winners against nine unforced errors. He has now won nine out of 10 matches played on the Tour so far this season with his only loss being to Cameron Norrie.
“I recovered really well,” Alcaraz said of his recent injury setback. “It seems that I moved really well. I felt really comfortable playing here. I think I’m ready and totally recovered from the injury.”
The 19-year-old has already achieved a series of milestones on American soil despite his young age. Nearly 12 months ago he won his maiden Masters 1000 title at the Miami Open. Then in September, he claimed his first major title after defeating Casper Ruud in the final of the US Open.
Alcaraz’s style of play is proving to be a hit with the American crowd who cheered him on throughout his opening match in Indian Wells. After the match, he wrote the phrase ‘I love Indian Wells’ on the camera lens.
“I try to make the people enjoy watching tennis, and I think the way that I play, they love or it seems like that,” he commented.
“I felt the love from the people (in the crowd). I think the US Open helped me a lot, to have a lot of people behind me supporting me.”
There is somewhat of a debate concerning what aspect of Alcaraz’s game is the most dangerous but what does the Spaniard think?
“I would say the pressure that I put on the opponent in every shot. Returning, for example, I push the opponent to a limit, trying to go for it in every shot. I would say that’s the most dangerous part of my game. I would say the opponents feel the pressure in every shot.” He replied when asked.
“I move well. I would say I’m fast and reach every ball, or I try. But the pressure I put in every shot to the opponent, I would say that.”
Awaiting Alcaraz in the third round will be 31st seed Tallon Griekspoor who had never won a main draw match in a Masters 1000 event until this week. Should he claim the Indian Wells title he will return to world No.1.
