Little changes for world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz in Miami

ATP Tour

James Richardson
March 21, 2023

Carlos Alcaraz says that he won’t be changing much at all about his approach after returning to the top of the ATP rankings.

Alcaraz has touched down in Miami having barely had any time to celebrate his third Masters crown at Indian Wells.

Yet he will have to defend the Miami Open title he won last season to hold onto that top ranking spot.

While being world No 1 might change how other players view Alcaraz he isn’t getting sucked into the mystique of the title.

He insists that he doesn’t feel any real pressure to hold onto the top spot in the ATP Rankings.

“I don’t feel the pressure too much. I know the things I have to do,” said Alcaraz.

“I need to play relaxed and not mind if I lose or if I play well or not.

“My goal is always the same. To feel comfortable on court. To enjoy playing tennis and try to have great thoughts when playing. And that is why I am playing at a good level. I am enjoying every single second and playing relaxed. That is what I am thinking about on court.”

Alcaraz quickly found his level on his return to the tour and is 14-1 for the season so far having missed the Australian Open swing with an injury picked up at the ATP Tour Finals.

While few experts have been able to pick any holes in the game of the new world No 1, Alcaraz is on a neverending mission to keep getting better.

“I always say that you can improve everything a little bit more,” Alcaraz said during his pre-tournament press conference. “You have to improve, you have to get better every day. That is why the big players, the ‘Big Three’ for example, did throughout their careers, improving a bit every day.”

Having had the time of his life in Miami last year, Alcaraz is looking forward to turning up the heat in Florida in front of his many fans both new and old.

“I have great supporters here. I remember last year was unbelievable feeling with the crowd,” Alcaraz said.

“There are a lot of people who speak Spanish, so I feel at home. Playing here, great matches and against great players, it was an amazing run last year. I am really excited to come here in front of all the fans. I can’t wait.”

Alcaraz will begin his defence in the Round of 64 against Facundo Bagnis or a qualifier and could face two-time Miami champion and former World No. 1 Andy Murray in the third round.

Carlos Alcaraz