Carlos Alcaraz is all set to make a comeback in Barcelona this season. Despite that, high hopes seem diminished from his payroll. The young achiever, who has yet to achieve many milestones, is easily one of the most dominant players.
The 19-year-old was knocked out of the ATP Tour earlier this season due to medical reasons forcing him to take a recovery period. Alcaraz sent a chilling message to every professional in the circuit after he clinched his maiden 2022 US Open title.
Last year’s season did justice to the Spaniard’s efforts. He bagged several ATP 1000 Masters titles but has failed to defend any of those this season. After having lost two opportunities to do the same, Carlos provided the community with an optimist update.
With Barcelona Open right around the corner, Alcaraz has begun training with fellow players. After crowing himself the champion to last year’s event, his defending the title this year throws in a tremendous amount of pressure.
Alcaraz only recently started his training again after battling minor injuries. According to his recent statements, the Spanish professional is certainly feeling more confident about his game now. Carlos getting back on the tour and competing in Barcelona is exactly what he’s looking for. The mere return of thrill and making memories.
“I have trained with (Denis) Shapovalov and (Casper) Ruud and it has gone very well for me. I need the rhythm of the competition, to play points and with these players, I can do it,” quoted Alcaraz.
Despite having proven himself as a formidable opponent, Alcaraz still feels like he can be chipped out of the tournament. Despite the absence of big names like Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, the Spaniard senses the odds are stacked against him.
Rafael Nadal’s absence doesn’t make Carlos Alcaraz feel he’s the favorite
The ATP Tour feels secluded without its underdog Rafael Nadal competing. The Spanish legend, who is currently taking an elongated recovery period after bearing a reoccurring hip injury, has been absent from the professional tennis scene for months and his comeback chances seem scarce for now.
With the non-attendance of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, one would speculate Carlos Alcaraz to make a bold move. Yet his take on the subject seems different. The Spaniard expressed how Rafa’s absence from the tournament makes him feel he can be walked over.
BARCELONA ❤️ Con ganas de debutar y veros a todos en la pista! 😀🙌🏻
📸 @bcnopenbs pic.twitter.com/Zzezzf8Qhh
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) April 16, 2023
“We are going to try to avoid the pressure of defending the title and go out on the court and enjoy ourselves. There have been big absences like Rafa and Medvedev, who were candidates to win the tournament, but the lack of them doesn’t make me feel more of a favorite. Every player in the draw can beat me,” spoke Alcaraz.
Regardless of his perception of the current situation, things may take a positive turn for Alcaraz. By the looks of his training, he certainly seems prepared and potentially might be able to defend at least one of his titles this season.