Carlos Alcaraz has dismissed claims of a knee injury as he progressed into the second week of the US Open.
There was a knee injury scare for Carlos Alcaraz early on in his third round contest with Luciano Darderi.
However, the Spaniard overcame the 32nd seed in fine fashion with a 6-2 6-4 6-0 victory as he moved on into the second week.
In his post-match press conference Alcaraz was asked about his potential knee injury but has said that everything is fine, “Well, it was just, yeah, that game that he broke my serve, on the last point after the serve, the first step, I just feel something in the knee that, I mean, it was bother me,” Alcaraz explained.
“But, you know, it was after five, six points, you know, it was gone. I was worried after that. That why I ask for the physio, but it was nothing serious, so I just for precaution. After that, I just didn’t feel it anymore, and it was good. So it’s just about nothing serious.”
Alcaraz will be hoping that knee won’t be bothering him as he prepares to mount a title charge in New York.
The Spaniard is clearly enjoying himself in New York and Alcaraz is hoping that continues to be the case, “Well, I mean, I’m trying to feel as much comfortable as I can, you know, off the court dealing with everything in the best way possible,” Alcaraz stated as he prepares for the second week.
“Then stepping on the court without being worried about anything else. Just about playing. That’s what I love. Yeah, I’m trying to bring joy to the court, playing with such smile, so when nothing concerns me at all. Just about playing. So I’m not thinking about or I’m not paying so much attention about anything else. That’s for me and the way that I’m feeling on and off the court.”
This year’s US Open signals an increased hunger for Alcaraz after last year’s shock exit to Botic Van De Zandschulp.
Now Alcaraz is even more motivated to win the title as he admits that he is hungry for success, “Yeah, I’m taking last year as motivation coming into this year, be more hungry, ambitious to do great things here,” Alcaraz claimed.
“This is a place that I love playing. The energy is crazy, so I’m just trying to feel the love and the energy from the people much more and playing as much matches as I can. So that motivates me.”
Next up for Alcaraz will be Arthur Rinderknech in the last 16 of the US Open which will take place on Sunday.
