Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. File
| Photo Credit: AP
Carlos Alcaraz admitted the damage absences of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic make it easier for him to defend his Madrid Open title, however mentioned Tuesday he didn’t really feel favorite to win.
The joint report 22-time Grand Slam winners final week withdrew from the competitors within the Spanish capital, in a blow to their preparations for the French Open on the finish of May.
World quantity two and prime seed Alcaraz, who retained the Barcelona Open title on Sunday by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight units, is aiming to do the identical in Madrid, which begins Wednesday.
“When the best players aren’t there, we say that it’s a little easier, but as I have always said, all the players are very good,” Alcaraz instructed a press convention.
“They have a very high level, each player thinks they can win the title, so we aren’t (more) confident because of the big pull-outs there have been.
“It’s a pity to not get pleasure from them stay, however ultimately we do not really feel like favourites or something, we’re going match by match.”
The Spaniard said that if he did not lift the trophy again it would not be a failure.
“When we go to every event we predict we will win it, and we’ll attempt to win it, but when we do not it will not be a failure,” said Alcaraz.
“For me, leaving the event pondering I’ve failed will probably be in regards to the stage I’ve proven, or the extent of perspective, which for me is the vital factor.
“If in terms of attitude, my head, I’ve been good, playing at a good level, I wouldn’t take it as a failure.”
The 2022 US Open champion, 19, may take the world primary rating again from Djokovic forward of the French Open if he wins both in Madrid or Rome, and no less than performs one match within the different event — or reaches each finals.
“Getting to number one is an objective, but in terms of Paris it doesn’t change much,” added Alcaraz.
“Obviously it would be a good achievement to get back to number one, but in terms of Roland Garros, it’s insignificant for me.”
