CNN
—
Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has large ambitions – and a type of is to have the ability to emulate among the recreation’s greats reminiscent of Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal by profitable titles instantly after getting back from harm.
The 19-year-old didn’t play a aggressive match for greater than three months as he recovered from belly and hamstring accidents, however returned final month with victory on the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.
His type has continued to look spectacular and he’s now reached the semifinals of Indian Wells after beating Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime on Thursday.
“I look to the large gamers, [Novak] Djokovic or Rafa [Nadal], when they’re coming from an harm and doubtless they’ve an important share to win the event after an harm,” the world No. 2 advised reporters Thursday.
“I checked out them a little bit bit after I was injured, you understand, coaching. They motivated me to play a very good recreation after an harm within the first tournaments.
“I used to be stunned after I received Buenos Aires, however proper now, I’m not stunned at it.”
Alcaraz, who has not dropped a set up to now this event, will face Italy’s Jannik Sinner on Saturday for a spot within the Indian Wells ultimate – an opponent he final beat within the US Open quarterfinals on the way in which to his maiden grand slam title final 12 months.
If he beats the Italian once more, Alcaraz is not going to solely have a shot of profitable Indian Wells however may also be one win away from reclaiming the world No.1 spot from Djokovic.
On the age of 19 years and 214 days, the Spaniard grew to become the youngest year-end world No.1 final season earlier than relinquishing the title to Djokovic after the Serb received the Australian Open this 12 months.
Alcaraz, although, is just not getting carried away and is simply targeted on what guarantees to be a spectacular match towards the gifted Sinner.
“For the opponent it’s actually powerful to be targeted mentally and bodily throughout the entire match,” he mentioned.
“That’s what I really like taking part in towards him, that it pushes me to the restrict.”
