Carlos Alcaraz couldn’t have requested for a extra excellent BNP Paribas Open.
Not solely did the 19-year-old raise the Indian Wells trophy for the primary time, however he additionally returned to No. 1 on the earth.
In actual fact, Alcaraz’s trek to the title was actually excellent. He didn’t drop a single set all through your entire match, cruising to wins over Thanasi Kokkinakis, Tallon Griekspoor, Jack Draper, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev. Previous to Sunday’s ultimate, Medvedev had gained 19 matches and three titles in a row. Nonetheless, the previous world No. 1 was no match for Alcaraz. The Spaniard rolled 6-3, 6-2 in only one hour and 10 minutes.
Alcaraz’s reward is a return journey to the highest of the ATP rankings. He ended the 2022 marketing campaign at No. 1 however missed the Nitto ATP Finals and the Australian Open as Novak Djokovic overtook him. Now it’s Djokovic on the sidelines, watching Alcaraz regain the higher hand on this two-man recreation of musical chairs.
“It feels nice to be again [at] No 1,” Alcaraz commented. “After all each participant on the ATP desires to be No 1, and for me it’s a dream come true once more. Clearly being in entrance of such nice gamers like Novak, like the highest gamers, for me it’s an incredible feeling.”
Medvedev says it’s absolutely deserved regardless of Djokovic’s frequent absences from the tour.
“A hundred percent,” the 27-year-old answered when requested if Alcaraz is the true No. 1. “It’s for positive unlucky Novak can’t play all of the tournaments, and I’m positive everybody would like to see him play as a result of it’s simply good to see Novak play. However it’s what it’s, you realize? For those who get injured…[Rafael Nadal] is injured for a while. We can also say, effectively, ‘if Rafa wouldn’t be injured, he can be No 1.’ Effectively, we can’t know as a result of he’s injured.
“Similar about Novak. For positive if he would have the ability to play final 12 months and this 12 months all of the tournaments, there’s a risk that the rankings can be completely different. However…. However…. There shouldn’t be [any] ‘buts.’
“Carlos is deservedly world No. 1. He gained extra factors than all people else in final 52 weeks, and that’s how rankings work. Yeah, he was additionally year-end No. 1 final 12 months. That’s one thing I haven’t finished, so I’ll attempt, for positive, in my profession.”
Alcaraz will now attempt to full the Sunshine Double by going back-to-back on the Miami Open. Because the defending champion, that’s precisely what he has to do if he desires to lengthen his keep forward of Djokovic at No. 1 on the earth.
Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and likewise maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter at @Dimonator.
