Rolex Paris Masters: “I reached a mental milestone,” relishes Carlos Alcaraz

The first coronation in the Parisian Masters 1000

“It’s always special to play in Paris. The public is incredible every time I come, at Roland-Garros as well as here. To have finally managed to play very good tennis, to go all the way and lift the trophy, also playing for him, means a lot to me. I had a very nice week. »

His quarter-final against Fritz where he came close to elimination

“I always try to progress, become better and learn from each experience. The match against Taylor (Fritz) taught me a lot. He showed me what I needed to improve to continue winning in this tournament. I understood that it was necessary to constantly dare, to have the determination to take things in hand, especially in the most difficult times. I am happy to have overcome this passage. Then I played very good tennis and always remained myself on the court. I'm proud of it. »

Shelton's service

“I tried to stay focused on his serve and put the return back into the court. I knew that then I was going to have to run a lot and be on the defensive on the first two shots. He was almost always in position to attack after his throw-in. His ball not only comes very fast, it is also very heavy, which makes it even more difficult to control. I knew it from the start. I tried to stay focused and find the right rhythm. It worked well. »

These last two weeks are probably the best I have played since my return.

Carlos Alcaraz

A mental milestone reached

“Tennis-wise, I can compare this week to Vienna, where I felt really comfortable. But here, I took a mental step forward. I went through a lot of difficult times internally. I was fighting with myself to stay positive, strong and not let negative thoughts affect my game. I am happy that I controlled my emotions and thoughts in every moment, in every match. These last two weeks are probably the best I have played since my return. »

His injury and the long beneficial cut

“No one wants to miss tournaments or important moments of the season. But I always try to see the positive. During these four and a half months, I continued to train while staying at home, with my loved ones and my family. I did other things that made me happy, without putting my body through the stress that playing all the tournaments would have represented. This absence helped me arrive at the end of the season with freshness, ambition and the desire to train. This was seen during the last two tournaments: I progressed in my game, in serving and on a personal level. I can't wait to go home, rest, then go to Turin to work, take stock of my physical and mental state and improve what needs to be improved. »

I will go to Turin with a lot of confidence and lessons in mind. I feel comfortable and I am progressing on this surface.

Carlos Alcaraz

The Turin Masters in the viewfinder

“The Masters brings together the eight best players in the world. We work all year to qualify, which gives us extra motivation and energy. This is a tournament I really want to win one day. I don't know if it will be this year, next year, or even if I will succeed, but I will work hard and believe in my chances. I will go to Turin with a lot of confidence and lessons in mind. I feel comfortable and I am progressing on this surface. I want to continue to move forward and develop my game. Considering myself the favorite could be counterproductive. I leave that to others. I prefer to concentrate on my tennis, have fun and remain strong in the face of difficulties. »

The Davis Cup also in the sights