Carlos Alcaraz makes confession that should leave rivals worried ahead of Miami Open
Just over a fortnight ago Carlos Alcaraz admitted that he was low on confidence as he struggled physically and mentally, but his title run at the Indian Wells Open has changed all of that as he has revealed he is “feeling great”.
Alcaraz made a stuttering start to the 2024 season as he was beaten quarter-final of the Australian Open by Alexander Zverev and was then stunned by Nicolas Jarry in the semi-final of the Argentina Open.
His woes were then compounded in his first match at the Rio Open as he was forced to retire after just two games as he rolled his ankle in the opening game.
By the time he made his way to the United States for the Sunshine Double, his confidence was shot and he was not quite sure if he would be able to defend his Indian Wells Open title due to his injury.
But the self-belief soon started to return and it wasn’t too long before everyone saw the “real Carlos Alcaraz” as he successfully defended his title as he secured his 12th career ATP singles trophy.
After his title run, he opened up about his struggles, saying: “Let’s say the last two months it was difficult for me to find myself. I didn’t enjoy, let’s say, stepping on the court. I wasn’t myself on the court the last two months, let’s say, two months, three months, so it was difficult for me.
“It was difficult for me because I didn’t find myself. I was struggling to enjoy [myself] on the court. My family, my team, people close to me were telling me that, that what happened to me, that I was not smiling as much as I was doing before.”
He defeated the in-form player on the ATP Tour in Jannik Sinner in the Indian Wells semi-final and followed it up with victory over Daniil Medvedev in the final – all with a smile on his face.
Up next is the Miami Open and his rivals have been warned that he is feeling his old self again, which can only spell bad news for them.
Alcaraz won the title in 2022, but lost in the semi-final against Sinner last year.
“I’m feeling great, with a lot of confidence right now,” the world No 2 said. “I think I’m playing great tennis.
“I’m really happy to be here in Miami again, a really special place for me, where I’ve shown great tennis the past years. I’m feeling great physically and mentally and I’m ready for this tournament.”
