Carlos Alcaraz: The top favorite for Paris?
Carlos Alcaraz started the European clay court season by winning the title at the ATP 500 event in Barcelona. Will the youngster be the man to beat in Paris in a matter of weeks?
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Apr 24, 2023, 04:12 pm
Carlos Alcaraz has learned to deal with setbacks. How the Spaniard manages to act on the spot time and time again despite numerous injury worries when he returns to the ATP tour and bring top performances to the pitch is definitely a facet of the Spaniard that is able to impress. One of many, mind you.
The Spaniard also managed such a return in Barcelona. While the second in the world rankings was still missing at the start of the European clay court season in Monte Carlo, "Carlitos" made an impressive comeback on home soil: the 19-year-old secured his third title win of the season without losing a set. And that with a dominant two-set success in the final over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Alcaraz top favorite in Paris?
The youngster successfully completed the dress rehearsal for the title defense mission at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Madrid in just a few days. And the 19-year-old has also managed to send a strong exclamation mark towards the competition. Also and especially with a view to the French Open.
Because the competition is stumbling. Novak Djokovic is plagued by minor ailments and a cold start to the clay court season, while Rafael Nadal is still not ready to return to the match court. And behind? Since the dismantling of Stefanos Tsitsipas, there have been few candidates who seem to pose a serious threat to the Spaniard.
Even Alcaraz himself makes no secret of the fact that the focus is already clearly on the French Open: "Anything can happen in these two tournaments, in these weeks. Roland Garros is a clear short-term goal. It's a tournament that I absolutely wants to win, but at the moment we're concentrating on Madrid and Rome," explained the second in the world rankings after his victory in Barcelona. "Winning the tournament here in Barcelona gives you extra confidence for what's to come."