French Open top seed Alcaraz ‘focuses on tournament, not position’
The Spaniard says he will not dwell too much on his draw before the year’s second Grand Slam
14 May 2023 - 19:54
byShrivathsa Sridhar
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Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a backhand against Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain during the Internazionali BNL D'Italia at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy, May 13 2023. Picture: JUSTIN SETTERFIELD/GETTY IMAGES
Bengaluru — Carlos Alcaraz said being the top seed at the French Open is “crazy”, something he would not have believed years ago, but the Spaniard will not dwell too much on his position heading into the year’s second Grand Slam.
Alcaraz, who turned 20 this month, captured the US Open title in September to become the youngest man to top the world rankings. He will leapfrog Novak Djokovic into the No 1 spot again after the ongoing Italian Open.
He is also assured of top billing at the May 28-June 11 French Open.
“It’s great to be the No 1 seed at Roland Garros, in a Grand Slam, it’s something crazy,” Alcaraz said after his 6-4 6-1 victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Rome on Saturday. “I wouldn’t have believed it years ago, but yes, I’m very happy.
“It doesn’t change too much to be the No 1 or No 2 seed — I just focus on the tournament, on my game, on every match, and that’s something that I try not to think about.
“But of course, it’s something great.”
Alcaraz overcame an injury-hit start to 2023 and has already claimed four titles, including clay court crowns in Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Madrid, to emerge as one of the top contenders for the trophy in Paris.
“I grew up a lot in a year,” Alcaraz said of his meteoric rise. “I have more experience. I have played great matches. I grew up thanks to that a lot. I’m more mature as well.
“I would say in just a year I’m a totally different player. I read the match better than last year. I would say this year is totally different for me.”
At the same time Rafa Nadal has turned down a wild card offer for this week’s Challenger tournament in Bordeaux as the Spaniard’s participation in the French Open hangs in the balance, the clay court event director said on Sunday.
Nadal has been struggling with a hip injury he suffered at the Australian Open in January, and fears the Spaniard may miss the Paris Grand Slam grew after he pulled out of last week’s Italian Open.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
French Open top seed Alcaraz ‘focuses on tournament, not position’
The Spaniard says he will not dwell too much on his draw before the year’s second Grand Slam
Bengaluru — Carlos Alcaraz said being the top seed at the French Open is “crazy”, something he would not have believed years ago, but the Spaniard will not dwell too much on his position heading into the year’s second Grand Slam.
Alcaraz, who turned 20 this month, captured the US Open title in September to become the youngest man to top the world rankings. He will leapfrog Novak Djokovic into the No 1 spot again after the ongoing Italian Open.
He is also assured of top billing at the May 28-June 11 French Open.
“It’s great to be the No 1 seed at Roland Garros, in a Grand Slam, it’s something crazy,” Alcaraz said after his 6-4 6-1 victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Rome on Saturday. “I wouldn’t have believed it years ago, but yes, I’m very happy.
“It doesn’t change too much to be the No 1 or No 2 seed — I just focus on the tournament, on my game, on every match, and that’s something that I try not to think about.
“But of course, it’s something great.”
Alcaraz overcame an injury-hit start to 2023 and has already claimed four titles, including clay court crowns in Buenos Aires, Barcelona and Madrid, to emerge as one of the top contenders for the trophy in Paris.
“I grew up a lot in a year,” Alcaraz said of his meteoric rise. “I have more experience. I have played great matches. I grew up thanks to that a lot. I’m more mature as well.
“I would say in just a year I’m a totally different player. I read the match better than last year. I would say this year is totally different for me.”
At the same time Rafa Nadal has turned down a wild card offer for this week’s Challenger tournament in Bordeaux as the Spaniard’s participation in the French Open hangs in the balance, the clay court event director said on Sunday.
Nadal has been struggling with a hip injury he suffered at the Australian Open in January, and fears the Spaniard may miss the Paris Grand Slam grew after he pulled out of last week’s Italian Open.
Reuters
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