Carlos Alcaraz says he plays tennis for himself but he does enjoy the occasional compliment. Especially if they are from some of the biggest names in the sport.
The Spaniard began his title campaign at the Miami Open on Saturday with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-1, win over Roberto Carballes Baena to register his seventh victory in a row on the Tour. Alcaraz blasted 18 winners past his opponent and won 79% of his first service points in what was a relatively straightforward encounter.
Among those watching the world No.2 play was Murray who beat Tomás Martín Etcheverry in straight sets earlier that day. Taking to social media, the three-time Grand Slam winner wrote ‘watching Alcaraz play makes me smile.’
“As I said many times, I play for myself and I play for my team. But also I enjoy it if people enjoy watching my matches. It’s pretty cool.” Alcaraz told reporters when informed of Murray’s comment.
“I think for me it’s even better if a legend like Andy says something like this, that he enjoys watching my matches. It’s crazy, honestly.’
“He has seen a lot of tennis during his career. Seeing these words from him for me is great. It’s something I try to do in every match.”
Miami is a place of fond memories for the Spaniard who won his first Masters 1000 title at the event back in 2022 when he beat Casper Ruud in the final. 12 months later he reached the semi-finals before falling to current Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner.
Fresh off winning the Indian Wells tournament, Alcaraz admits the conditions in Miami are somewhat slower. Something that appears to not faze him in any way.
“In Indian Wells, it (the ball bounce) was much higher. Probably the court is faster, but the ball goes slower. That’s different. The balls become bigger after just one game. New balls go super fast, then after one game super slow. It was difficult to adapt in that way.” He said.
Alcaraz’s next challenge will be French Veteran Gael Monfils who made his ATP debut a year after the Spaniard was born. Monfils came back from a set down to beat Jordan Thompson 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-2.
“It’s going to be a really tough match. Gael is playing a great tennis. Has beaten big guys this year. I have to be ready if I’m going to play against Gael.” Alcaraz commented.
Alcaraz’s win-loss record for 2024 currently stands at 13-3.
