World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain commented on his recent victory over Karen Khachanov at the Rome tournament. After defeating the Russian 6/3, 3/6, 7/5, Alcaraz advanced to face Britain`s Jack Draper.
Reflecting on the Khachanov match, Alcaraz said, “I had to run a lot, fight for every ball. Khachanov played at a crazy level, very high. He makes you give everything on every point. You have to be alert. I waited for my chances. Because of that, I had to run and fight a lot.”
– You will face Jack Draper again after Indian Wells…
“I`m ready. I`m really looking forward to the match against him. He is one of the best players in the world right now. His recent results show how well he is playing lately,” Alcaraz stated.
“I want to get revenge for Indian Wells. This time I will try to prepare better. This match will be interesting to watch and to play.”
– What are his strengths?
“He is very consistent, very energetic. On every point, he tries to play as aggressively as possible, and that makes him a very dangerous opponent. Every point is a battle. He has improved a lot physically, on his serve, and in everything else – he is a very, very complete player.”
– In Indian Wells, the match dynamics changed dramatically. Do you remember that match? Why was it so spectacular in terms of changing dynamics?
“I remember the Indian Wells match perfectly. I started very badly, was very nervous. I had to adjust a bit. In the second set, he had physical issues.”
“I wouldn`t say either of us showed something outstanding. I think in the first set, he didn`t do anything special, just played consistently. And I made a lot of mistakes.”
“It was the same in the second set. I didn`t do anything special, just struggled and made a lot of mistakes again. I need to learn from that match.”
“I will try to start better than in Indian Wells: find my rhythm, make fewer mistakes. I will try to get into the match, and then we`ll see.”
“I think we will both try to play aggressively. The one who does it better will win,” Alcaraz concluded at the press conference.
