MADRID: Carlos Alcaraz is raring to get to Italy next week to compete in the Rome Masters for the first time in his career. He wants to reclaim the world’s number-one spot from Novak Djokovic.
After retaining his title in Madrid on Sunday by beating lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, Alcaraz only has to show up and play in Rome to leapfrog Djokovic.
Rankings are based on points claimed at each tournament, which expire every year. To maintain the points won at an event a player must at least match the tally from the previous year.
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Since he was forced to withdraw from the Rome Masters owing to an ankle injury last season, Alcaraz does not require defending any previously earned points. Alternatively, while Djokovic emerged victorious at that competition last year, his overall point total cannot be elevated as it stands. Barring fluctuations till the upcoming rankings only have a difference of five points between them; Alcaraz should move up ahead into first position compared to Serbian rival irrespective of how far he gets this time around inside Rome’s courts .
After an injury-plagued start to the season, Alcaraz said he is 100% and thinking big, motivated to keep improving his game as he builds up for the French Open, which starts on May 28.
“I am an ambitious guy and I’m working hard to win in Rome,” Alcaraz told a news conference on Sunday.
When it comes to tennis phenom Rafael Nadal, theres no denying his immense talent and dedication. He has already made waves in the sport by winning the U.S Open last year at just 19 years old and reaching first place on the rankings list.
Now with four season wins including Buenos Aires, Indian Wells,and Barcelona under his belt plus two more consecutive victories in Madrid. Once again putting him within reach of that coveted number one spot – its clear that all that hard work he puts in is certainly paying off!
“When it matters most thats when I really shine ” shared Alcaraz enthusiastically. “I enjoy competing on grand stages under immense pressure; it motivates me to try out different tactics that can throw off my opponents’ plans. Winning is essential – thats why I’ve come out victorious in ten of the thirteen finals that I’ve played.” This young tennis prodigy has already made history alongside Rafael Nadal as Madrids sole back-to-back champion becoming the youngest athlete since his countryman during Monte-Carlo and Rome in ’05-06 who has defended an ATP Masters 1000 title.
