Carlos Alcaraz aiming for Indian Wells glory with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal absent – ‘I’m ready’

Carlos Alcaraz insists he is “ready” for Indian Wells and has played down any injury concerns.

But the world No. 2 has made a swift recovery and is in the main draw for Indian Wells aiming to win his third ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

Alcaraz, who is the top men’s seed at Indian Wells, says he is fit enough to be playing in California.

“I’m [feeling] really good right now,” he said at the tournament’s media day.

“Today was the first practice that I practised with some players, [played] some points.

“I feel great. I took some days off and it was really good for me. Right now I’m ready.”

Alcaraz says returning to No. 1 acts as great motivation for him heading into the Sunshine Swing.

“It’s a really good goal for me,” he said. “Of course playing a Masters 1000 is always tough and I really want to have a good result here. I love this tournament as well.

“For me, winning the tournament and being No. 1 again is a really good goal and I really want to go for it.”

Alcaraz has not won a hard court tournament since winning the US Open in 2022. He says he cannot be considered a favourite on the surface in California.

“On hard court I think I’m a really good tennis player, so I’m going to go for it,” said Alcaraz, who has not competed on the surface since the Paris Masters last November.

“I don’t consider myself a favourite to win the tournament because [it has been] a long time since I played on hard court.

“Of course there are a lot of great players in this draw that have chances to win the tournament.

“I would say that I have my chances to win the tournament and I’m going to [try to] take it.”

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