World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz looks to have found his rhythm back. Playing as the defending champion at the 2024 Indian Wells Masters, the youngster was in for an early surprise from counterpart Matteo Arnaldi.
The Italian won the first set in the tiebreaker during their second-round match sending shockwaves. Alcaraz however didn’t lose his focus and wrapped the match dropping just one more game in the next two sets. He won the tie 6-7(7), 6-0, 6-1 to move into the third round.
In the third round, he took on Felix Auger-Aliassime in their second meeting in Indian Wells in consecutive years. The Spaniard’s win meant he closed down the gap against the Canadian to 2-3 in their head-to-head. It was a good result for Alcaraz who’s returning to the Tour since his injury in Rio.
But before Indian Wells, he returned to the court in the ‘Netflix Slam’ against Rafael Nadal. He won the battle of the two Spaniards in a closely fought three-setter. While the match led to Nadal withdrawing from Indian Wells, for Alcaraz it was a good match practice.
Apart from that, he also got some valuable tips from eight-time Grand Slam singles title winner Andre Agassi. The American great was one of the commentators for the Netflix Slam and also had a good discussion with the reigning Wimbledon champ.
I asked him for a few tips for a few things, on how he was doing things in his career, how he dealt with the pressure or to stay at the high rankings with high intensity during almost his career. He told me you have to give your 100% every day. Said Alcaraz speaking on Tennis Channel.
If you are feeling 80%, you have to give 100% of that 80. He told me the importance of every day, you cannot miss anything on the days. Added the Spaniard.
Carlos Alcaraz gives an update on his ankle injury
After rolling his ankle in Rio, he had to forfeit the match very early. He underwent scans and was lucky to have not suffered any tear or fracture. He had a good recovery but he was still skeptical in his match against Arnaldi. However, things have improved significantly for him now.
Speaking on Tennis Channel, he confirmed being pain-free and relaxed about his injury. He admitted to being scared going into the match against Arnaldi but his confidence increased eventually. He confessed to having played against Aliassime without any worry.
I am feeling better and better. In the first round, it was the first match after I had sprained my ankle. I was really careful with the movement and to see how he went. Said Alcaraz.
But it is feeling better than the first round, better and better, and this match, I felt nothing on the ankle. I moved perfectly without thinking about it. It was really good for me, I sliced without any problem at all so it is all good. Concluded the World No. 2.
With the win over Aliassime, the second seed will now take on World No. 58 Fabian Marozsan. The Hungarian currently leads the head-to-head 1-0 against the Spaniard. With a quarter-final spot on the line, expect a thrilling performance from the two.
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