Carlos Alcaraz ‘a different person’ as he prepares for second French Open
Carlos Alcaraz heads into the French Open among the favourites to win the title and a world removed from his third round exit at the 2021 edition.
Alcaraz has shot to prominence this season having already claimed four ATP Tour titles this term.
The 19-year-old Spaniard is confident of a strong run at the French Open.
“I think since that moment I grew up a lot, I am a different player, a different person.
“I played last year just to still grow up, to still get the experience and now I am, as I said, a different player with another game,” Alcaraz said.
“I think now, this year, is one of my best years and I hope to get a good result here.”
Alcaraz is well aware that expectations for him have been heightened by his recent good form.
His best performance at a Grand Slam remains his run to the quarter-finals at the 2021 US Open.
Alcaraz suffered a third round loss to Matteo Berrettini at the Australian open and wants to do well at Roland Garros.
However, he insists that he isn’t putting pressure on himself to get results.
“Well, I try not to put pressure on myself and just play like I’m doing right now.
“I’m playing good tennis right now with a lot of confidence.
“I’m trying not to think about the pressure and trying not to think about the result that I want, to win tournaments and stuff, just to keep playing.”
Alcaraz is set to be in action on the first day of the 2022 French Open main draw on Sunday.
The Spaniard is set to contest the fourth match on the Court Phillipe-Chatrier where he will meet Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero.
Alcaraz faces a potential semi-final against either Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal but cannot afford to look too far ahead with dangerous players surrounding him in the draw.
He has won two Masters series titles already this season and despite being seeded sixth is currently second-favourite with most bookmakers.
Lyon Open champion Cameron Norrie, Seb Korda and Karen Khachanov are the other seeds occupying the same section as Alcaraz.
Alcaraz’s opening match will start after 17:30 (GMT) on Sunday 22 May.
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