Carlos Alcaraz believes his tennis hasn’t substantially improved over the past year but where he has been making waves concerns the mental part of his game.
The 19-year-old returned to the top of the world rankings on Monday after defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-2, to win the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Alcaraz, who didn’t face a single break point in the final, needed just over 70 minutes to defeat an erratic Medvedev who hit just four winners against 14 unforced errors. His victory ends the Russian player’s run of 19 consecutive wins on the Tour.
“It feels amazing to lift the trophy here and to recover the No. 1. I would say this has been the perfect tournament,” Alcaraz said during his press conference.
“It was good for me, I really wanted to win this tournament and for me, it’s amazing.”
Not dropping a single set in the entire tournament, the Spaniard has achieved another milestone in his blossoming career. He has become the first player to have won multiple titles at the sunshine doubles (Miami and Indian Wells) before reaching the age of 20. Furthermore, he is also only the second to have won three Masters 1000 titles in their teens after his compatriot Rafael Nadal.
Alcaraz’s return to world No.1 follows what was a troublesome start to the season for him. He was forced to miss the Australian Open due to a leg injury and then pulled out of an event in Mexico last month as a precaution due to a hamstring issue. Last year he also suffered an abdominal injury which ruled him out of the ATP Finals.
“I began the season well but struggled a lot with injuries,” Alcaraz told Tennis Channel. “Two injuries in the legs in about four months, it was tough to stay strong mentally.
“I missed some tournaments I wanted to play, but I worked really hard with my team. I believe in myself and the work I’m doing right now and I’d say that’s the most important thing.
“It means a lot to recover the number one ranking. I’m not going to say it was easy, but it was easier because Djokovic was not playing.”
It is a strong possibility that Djokovic would have maintained his No.1 ranking if he was allowed to play in America. The Serbian is currently unable to enter the country due to not being unvaccinated against COVID-19.
However, Medvedev argues that Djokovic’s absence shouldn’t overshadow Alcaraz’s return to the top.
“For sure if he would be able to play last year and this year all the tournaments, there is a possibility that the rankings would be different. But, there shouldn’t be any “buts,” Medvedev commented.
“Carlos is deservedly World No. 1. He won more points than everybody else in the last 52 weeks, and that’s how rankings work.”
Alcaraz has won seven Tour titles, including the US Open, and scored 11 wins over top-10 opposition since the start of 2022. When asked what specifically has he improved in his game over the past year, he stated that it was the work he has done on his mental game.
“I think my tennis hasn’t improved so much since last year. What I improved a lot is to not take the pressure and just to play relaxed. That’s for me the most important thing,” he said.
“That’s why I show a great level because I feel like I have no pressure. I’m playing relaxed. I would say I improved that a lot, and that’s why I’m playing at a good level.”
Alcaraz faces a tall order to maintain his No.1 position heading into the clay swing. He must successfully defend his title at the Miami Masters to ensure that he remains No.1 at the start of April. If not, Djokovic will reclaim the position.