Alcaraz dispels the ghosts of number one: "It would bring extra pressure for me"

Carlos Navarro | 13 Mar 2025 | 04.34

Carlos Alcaraz. Source: Getty

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Carlos Alcaraz continues to show himself practically unbeatable at Indian Wells 2025. The Murcian soared over Grigor Dimitrov to secure his ticket to the quarterfinals, in a match where he left few doubts and continued to show an unstoppable version. The post-match press conference was all smiles, with Carlos welcoming the wind (a factor that, according to him, makes him play even better), previewing his upcoming match against Fran Cerúndolo... and dispelling the specters of the number one ranking, which currently weigh more as a burden than an extra motivation.

- On playing in the wind and how he adapted compared to Grigor

"I always say that I like playing in the wind, in these conditions. I adapt my tennis very well to this type of weather. When you play in such windy conditions, you must believe in your physical abilities, that you can reach any ball. That's what I was thinking during the match. Grigor plays much more aggressively, let's say with less time, so that's why I think I adapted much better to today's match conditions. Also, I feel the ball very well, so my positioning on each shot was very good. That's it. I make fewer errors, I think. Playing in such wind, the fewer errors you make, the better you play."

- Do you feel unbeatable at this stadium, under these conditions? In what other court do you feel this way?

"Probably, I mean, I don't know. I don't know what to compare this to. Every time I play on this court, I feel great, both in terms of conditions, court, balls. There's wind almost every day, an element I like to play with. Everything suits my game very well, my style. I have time to reach the ball when I defend, I have time to find good attacking opportunities during the points. If I had to compare this court to another where I feel very good, where I feel unstoppable, I would probably choose one in Spain. Madrid, Barcelona... I love playing there. But I couldn't say, I just love Indian Wells (he smiles)."

- Upcoming match against Fran Cerúndolo

"He's playing great. I'm not sure what surface is his favorite, whether clay or hardcourt, because he performs very well on both. Also on grass. That means he's a very complete player, excelling on all surfaces. He beat de Miñaur very convincingly, a top-10 player. I watched the match. I must be very focused on my tennis, on the things I have to do. I'll try to play aggressively, with passion. I know his style, I've trained with him many times and watched many of his matches, so I'll focus on that."

- Is the possibility of becoming number one on your mind with Sinner's absence? Does that motivate you on this tour?

"I'm not thinking too much about reclaiming the number one spot in the next two or three months. That could add extra pressure. As I've said before, I'm focused on each day and each tournament because I'm doing things the right way. I'm focused on improving; the results will come, even the number one spot if it has to come later. Right now, my focus is on Indian Wells and continuing to play at a high level. I hope to reach the final or lift the trophy, that's my goal. I feel better every day, and after this tournament, I'll only think about Miami, then the next tournament. If the momentum continues like this, the results will be good, and the ranking will also improve a lot."

- Golf, an element that helps you disconnect

"Yes, I play almost every day. I love this place because I have time to be with my team, my family, and also with myself. I love playing golf; this is a golf paradise. I try to use that time to disconnect mentally, which helps me later to show a good level."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz aleja los fantasmas del número uno: "Me aportaría una presión extra"

Carlos Alcaraz