‘I’m still the same…I want to make people happy’ – Alcaraz on returning to Madrid

Former world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz has dismissed the idea that he feels any pressure playing in front of a partisan Spanish crowd in Madrid.

He put on a spectacular display there in 2022, when he beat Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals, and went on to lift the trophy. He starts his defence on Friday as top seed, but told reporters that he is looking forward to the prospect.

“I will try to enjoy it and give enjoyment to others, which is the important thing,” he said in Spanish, translated by Perform. “I’m going to try to take the pressure off and not think about all the people who are watching. I want to enjoy it and make other people happy.”

Alcaraz: This is the opposite of pressure

He added that having a crowd behind him gives him extra impetus to succeed, saying: “It always motivates me that my family and friends are watching and supporting me. I look at that as the opposite of pressure. It is a pleasure to be able to play in front of my people and to do it here in Spain. For me it is wonderful to be able to enjoy having all these people here.”

The 19-year-old described Madrid as “unique”, a tournament where he feels “at home”, and concluded that his stellar 12 months have not altered him.

“I think the experience I’ve gained this year has helped me grow as a player and as a person. But my personal or professional life hasn’t changed much. I’m still the same, but I’ve matured a lot in the last year.”

Alcaraz retained a title for the first time in his career in Barcelona and looks to do the same again this coming week.

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