Carlos Alcaraz advances at Rio Open, eyes race with Novak Djokovic for No.1

Carlos Alcaraz superior to the second spherical of the Rio Open on Wednesday, along with his sights set on a year-long battle for the No. 1 rating with Novak Djokovic.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 23, 2023 12:25 IST

Carlos Alcaraz wins rain-delayed opener in Rio Open (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz defeated Brazil’s 556th-ranked Mateus Alves in a rain-delayed opening match to advance to the second spherical of the ATP Rio Open. Alcaraz will subsequent play Fabio Fognini, who beat Tomas Barrios Vera 6-2, 6-3 on the clay-court event.

Alcaraz, who grew to become the primary teenage year-end No. 1 in ATP historical past in 2021, is at the moment ranked second. He said that he’s not below any stress to dethrone Novak Djokovic, however has set that as a key purpose for 2023. The defending champion closed out the final two video games of a match suspended yesterday due to rain to finish a 6-4, 6-4 win over Mateus Alves.

“Truth is a beautiful year awaits, with beautiful tournaments. It is true there will be a little pressure to defend important titles. I will have to play at a good level but, as I always say, I play every match thinking I have to enjoy it, much beyond the results,” Alcaraz informed a information convention.

The Spanish teenager was sidelined for 4 months attributable to a leg muscle damage and returned to the tour final week on the Argentina Open, the place he gained his first Grand Slam title since his breakthrough on the US Open final yr.

“I have to try to win more Grand Slam titles, and reclaim the No. 1 position. That’s what I am hoping for this year.”

Alcaraz struggled at occasions in opposition to Brazilian No. 556 Alves. He wanted practically two hours of play to win, claiming he’d solely seen movies of his 22-year-old opponent previous to the match.

“It is not easy to stop after an entire match and have to start it again the next day,” Alcaraz mentioned. “I feel I am doing well after four months injured. I had a very good week in Argentina and I am coming here with a lot of confidence.”

Published On:

Feb 23, 2023