Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, has stated that reclaiming the top spot in the ATP rankings is not his primary focus in the coming months. This comes as current world No. 1, Jannik Sinner, faces a suspension, creating an opportunity for Alcaraz to potentially regain the coveted ranking. Alcaraz insists he doesn’t want to feel extra pressure and is instead concentrating on consistent improvement and his performance at the Indian Wells Masters.
Alcaraz Prioritizes Improvement Over Ranking
Alcaraz has made it clear that his immediate goal is not to chase the No. 1 ranking. “I’m not thinking much about recovering the No. 1 in two or three months. That could make me feel extra pressure,” Alcaraz stated. Instead, he’s channeling his energy towards daily progress and honing his skills. He believes that if he maintains this focus, positive results and the No. 1 ranking will naturally follow.
Indian Wells Focus
The Spaniard’s immediate attention is on the Indian Wells Masters, where he is aiming for a third consecutive title. He understands that winning the tournament won’t be enough to immediately overtake Sinner and No. 2 Alexander Zverev in the rankings. However, a strong performance could set him up well for the upcoming European clay-court season, where he will be defending his French Open title.
Taking it Day by Day
With Sinner sidelined due to a doping ban until May 4, Alcaraz is considered a top contender in upcoming tournaments. Despite this favorable situation, he remains grounded and committed to a day-by-day approach. This mindset allows him to stay present and avoid the distractions that come with focusing too much on the long-term goal of reclaiming the No. 1 ranking.
Sinner’s Suspension
Jannik Sinner’s absence from the tour due to a doping ban significantly alters the landscape of men’s tennis. While details surrounding the ban remain limited, its impact is undeniable.
Sinner’s Rise to No. 1
Sinner’s ascension to the world No. 1 ranking marked a historic moment for Italian tennis, making him the first Italian player to reach the top spot in either the ATP or WTA rankings. His rise has been meteoric, fueled by consistent performances and a strong rivalry with Alcaraz.
Sinner on Pressure
In the past, Sinner has spoken about the pressures of being the world’s top-ranked player, emphasizing that the pressure he feels is largely internal. He focuses on enjoying his tennis and controlling what he can, rather than dwelling on external expectations.
Alcaraz’s Perspective on Pressure
Alcaraz’s approach to pressure reflects a maturity beyond his years. He recognizes that placing too much emphasis on reclaiming the No. 1 ranking can be detrimental to his performance.
Learning from Alcaraz and Sinner
Tennis player Paula Badosa has spoken about Alcaraz and Sinner, as an inspiration for how they handle pressure. Badosa praised how both handle pressure in difficult moments and matches: “It’s true, sometimes I look at them as inspiration because they handle it well, especially Carlitos. It’s incredible. He’s smiling all the time. Even when the score is 5-5, he’s smiling. How is that possible? I think Jannik and Carlitos are very similar. So, I believe they are an inspiration for us, dealing with pressure in that way, it’s the right way to do it”.
Focusing on the Process
By concentrating on daily improvement and the present tournament, Alcaraz aims to minimize distractions and perform at his best. This process-oriented approach allows him to manage the inherent pressure of professional tennis and pursue his goals in a sustainable way.
Alcaraz’s 2025 Season So Far
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has already seen some significant milestones.
Australian Open Quarterfinals
He began the year at the Australian Open, reaching the quarterfinals. This result demonstrates his consistency at major tournaments and sets a solid foundation for the rest of the season.
Rotterdam Title
Alcaraz claimed his first indoor hardcourt title at the Rotterdam Open, defeating Alex de Minaur in the final. This victory marked a significant achievement, making him the youngest man to have won titles on all four modern surfaces (clay, grass, outdoor hard, and indoor hard).
Indian Wells Ambitions
Currently, Alcaraz is competing at the Indian Wells Masters, where he is the two-time defending champion.
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