2 minutes Carlos Alcaraz looks to add another title to his collection at Indian Wells.
The world number two, Carlos Alcaraz, states he is not under stress due to not having won a title since Wimbledon last July. Last year, the 20-year-old also triumphed at the US Open and became the youngest men's world number one in history. However, as he gears up to start defending his Indian Wells title, the Spaniard does feel that he is now a target for others.
"A lot of players put a target on my back and every time I face them, they show their best level," Alcaraz said.
"A lot of expectation and noises behind me probably is difficult to deal with, but I try not to think about it. I try to be on my own all the time, to stay away from all of that.
"But it is difficult sometimes - a lot of tournament matches with people around - so I would say that is the toughest thing."
Alcaraz, who received a bye in the first round, is set to play against the Italian world number 40, Matteo Arnaldi, at Indian Wells on Friday. His victory over Daniil Medvedev in last year's final was one of six titles he secured in the first seven months of the year. And, even though Alcaraz made it to a final, three semi-finals, and another quarter-final in the latter months of 2023, he failed to clinch another trophy. "After Wimbledon, I had a fairly good run in America - a final in Cincinnati, semi-finals in the US Open - those are honestly good results," he remarked. "But after that, I found it slightly challenging with my tennis, my enthusiasm. The lack of titles or finals doesn't overly stress me." This year started with a quarter-final loss to Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open, and then he twisted his ankle in the second point of his first match in Rio last month. After just two games, Alcaraz chose to withdraw, so his primary concern at Indian Wells will be to confirm to himself that he is fit enough to re-enter the winners' circle.
Alcaraz takes on Matteo Arnaldi on Saturday and is 2/7 to progress, which is a little short to get involved in betting wise. However the outright market its more appealing.
Carlos Alcaraz Indian Wells Odds
Outright Winner
Carlos Alcaraz - TBC