Easier recovering No. 1 spot as a result of Novak Djokovic was not taking part in, says Carlos Alcaraz after Indian Wells triumph

19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz regained the No. 1 spot in males’s singles rankings, dethroning Novak Djokovic from the highest spot. Alcaraz achieved the feat after successful the Indian Wells Masters remaining in opposition to Daniil Medvedev in straight units.

California,UPDATED: Mar 20, 2023 12:52 IST

Carlos Alcaraz regained the No. 1 spot after successful Indian Wells 2023 title (AP Photo)

By India Today Sports Desk: Teenager Carlos Alcaraz mentioned on Monday that it meant rather a lot to him to regain the No. 1 spot after having recovered from a number of harm issues that saved him out of motion after the US Open triumph in 2022. Alcaraz dethroned Novak Djokovic because the No. 1 males’s singles participant on the planet after he gained his maiden Indian Wells Masters title in California on Sunday.

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight units within the Indian Wells Masters remaining and the victory helped him overtake Novak Djokovic to the highest spot within the ATP charts. Alcaraz turned the primary male teenager to win Indian Wells and Miami Open, which is famously known as the Sunshine Double.

Alcaraz rose to No. 1 after successful the US Open crown in 2022 however he slipped behind because of harm issues. The Spaniard returned to the ATP Tour in February at Buenos Aires the place gained his first title of the season and made the Rio remaining earlier than withdrawing from Acapulco with a strained hamstring.

Alcaraz will retain the No. 1 spot if he defends his Miami Open title subsequent week however the Spaniard highlighted the powerful street he had gone by means of to reclaim the highest spot.

“I began the season well but struggled a lot with injuries. Two injuries in the legs in about four months, it was tough to stay strong mentally,” Alcaraz advised Tennis Channel after his triumph.

“I missed some tournaments I wanted to play, but I worked really hard with my team. I believe in myself and the work I’m doing right now and I’d say that’s the most important thing. It means a lot to recover the number one ranking. I’m not going to say it was easy, but it was easier because Djokovic was not playing.”

‘WINS HAVE MADE ME MORE CONFIDENT’

Notably, Djokovic, who vaulted again to No. 1 after successful the Australian Open crown in January, was not allowed to enter the United States to participate within the Indian Wells and Miami Open.

Alcaraz, in the meantime, mentioned he was proud of the best way he was in a position to sort out the large phases, highlighting the way during which he was in a position to overcome the Medvedev problem within the remaining.

Notably, Alcaraz had confronted Medvedev solely as soon as earlier than — at Wimbledon 2021 and the Russian star had overwhelmed the Spaniard in straight units. On Sunday, Alcaraz didn’t give an inch away to Medvedev, clinching a 6-3, 6-2 victory in simply an hour and 10 minutes.

“I got a lot of experience since that match. I was new on Tour at that time but now I’ve played a lot of great matches and won great titles. That’s made me more confident,” Alcaraz mentioned.

“Now I know how to handle tough moments.”

Alcaraz will probably be hoping to go the gap in Miami earlier than he gears up for the clay-court swing of the season.

Published On:

Mar 20, 2023