Carlos Alcaraz news: Teenaged sensation credits gym work with his rise

ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz

Spain’s World No 19 Carlos Alcaraz puts his rapid improvement on court in the last year down to hard work in the gym.

Alcaraz said his team are all clear on his goal to build his physical strength and pull together to make that happen.

For his part, Alcaraz enjoys working out and it appears to be paying off for the 18-year-old.

“My team and I know how important it is to be strong physically,” Alcaraz told .

“It was one thing we knew I had to improve a lot. It was a great focus during preseason. I am really happy. It gives me more confidence. I have more of a chance to keep my level high during a three or four-hour match against the best players.

“I enjoy the gym. I have been concentrating on every part of the body. I concentrate 100 per cent on the work, my biggest focus is on the legs. This is very important.”

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest ATP 500 champion since the category was created in 2009 when he triumphed in Rio de Janeiro, earlier this year but hasn’t been able to savour the achievement.

“I didn’t have too much time to celebrate as I had the Davis Cup after Rio, but I had some time to enjoy it and celebrate the title,” Alcaraz said on his trophy run in Brazil. “It was so special, being with my family and friends.”

Thanks to his seeding Alcaraz is assured of recording his best finish at Indian Wells.

The Rio champion will begin his campaign against American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.

“It is amazing. If you remember last year I lost in my first match [against Andy Murray]. I enjoy every single second here in Indian Wells. It is an amazing place and I am really happy to be back. Even happier that I am playing really well.

“I know McDonald is playing at a great level. I know it is going to be a great match and a really tough one. The first match in every tournament is tough.”

Carlos Alcaraz

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