Carlos Alcaraz says he wants to emulate two of the Tour’s biggest names by winning titles after coming back from injury after reaching the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters.
The reigning US Open champion is just two wins away from reclaiming the world No.1 position this week after defeating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-4. Alcaraz’s latest win is a case of sweet revenge for the Spaniard who had previously lost all three of his Tour meetings against Aliassime. The triumph saw him hit a total of 26 winners against only eight unforced errors as he won 81% of his first service points.
“I feel great. It’s an amazing feeling to come back this year and make the semifinal again,” Alcaraz said afterwards.
“Beating such a great player as Felix for the first time, I’m really happy with my level and the way that I’m playing.”
After missing the first month of 2023 due to injury, the 19-year-old has won 12 out of 13 matches played with his only loss being to Cameron Norrie in the final of the Rio Open. The dominant display comes after he has been hampered by a trio of injury issues in recent times. Last November he was forced to withdraw from the ATP Finals due to an abdominal problem before sustaining a leg injury whilst training in the off-season. Then to add to his frustration, Alcaraz also suffered a minor hamstring problem during February which ruled him out of a tournament in Mexico.
The recent misfortunes make his quick rise back to top form even more impressive. Although the Spaniard said that he is ‘not surprised’ by what is happening. He cites both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as inspirations for him with both of those players winning titles after returning to action following an injury-related break.
“I am not surprised so much because I am a player who learns really fast,” Alcaraz commented.
“I look to the big players, Djokovic or Rafa. When they are coming (back) from an injury and probably have a great percentage to win the tournament after an injury.’
“So I looked at them a little bit when I was injured and training. They motivate me to play a good game after an injury in my first tournaments. I was surprised when I won Buenos Aires, but right now, I’m not surprised about it.”
Alcaraz will next play Italy’s Jannik Sinner for a place in the final who knocked out defending champion Taylor Fritz in three sets. It is only the third time in Sinner’s career he has beaten a top-five player and he is the first man from his country to reach the last four of the Masters 1000 tournament.
The head-to-head record between the two players is currently tied at 2-2- but Alcaraz has won both of their meetings that have occurred on a hardcourt, including last year’s US Open clash. Last year Sinner defeated the world No.2 on the clay in Umag and on the grass at Wimbledon.
“I enjoy these matches (against Sinner) because I have to be really, really focused on every shot. I have to play my best,” Alcaraz said of their rivalry.
“That’s why Jannik is such a great player, as well. Not only with a great serve and great movements. It is because he pushes the opponent to their limit. Trying to play aggressively with great shots.’
“And for the opponent, it is really tough to be focused mentally and physically during the whole match. That’s what I love about playing against him. It pushes me to the limit. I have to be really, really focused. I love to feel that.”
Alcaraz is one of only two players to have reached the semi-finals of this year’s men’s tournament without dropping a set. The other is Frances Tiafoe who will next play Daniil Medvedev.
