PARIS, OCT 29 – Carlos Alcaraz enters this week’s Paris Masters hoping to complete his three victories in Paris in 2024, adding an ATP 1000 title to his French Open victory and Olympic silver medal.
The Spanish world number two has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals at the tournament and was knocked out in the first round last year by Russian Roman Safiullin.
One of the main obstacles to winning this title is not to worry when the seven-time champion, Novak Djokovic, decided not to participate in the tournament.
“My target is to close the campaign with a success in Paris, or at least get a good result,” said Alcaraz yesterday.
“Last year, I said I need to understand that the season continues even after September,” he said.
“I think my preparation this year is pretty good,” added Alcaraz, who recently won the China Open and reached the semifinals at the Shanghai Masters.
“The tournament calendar is very packed and challenging, but this year I feel more prepared.
“I have been doing a lot of preparation lately. So, I think I’m ready to record good results or at least go further than last year, which I don’t think is too difficult!” he explained.
Alcaraz will play on the indoor court at the Bercy Arena, which is venue for the gymnastics and basketball competitions at the Olympic Games, against the Chilean Nicolas Jarry or the Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
“I’m very excited to start the match,” said Alcaraz, who previously added the Wimbledon title to his Roland Garros triumph.
“I feel good physically and mentally and very happy with my level of play,” he added. – AFP
