“Yesterday I decided to play. In the end I reached Madrid without training. In the last week I didn’t pick up the racket and I came here without knowing what would happen. As the days went by I managed to train with greater intensity and yesterday afternoon, after playing a set against Daniil MedvedevI felt ready.”
Carlos Alcaraz revealed that he had dissolved his reservations just a few hours before his first match at the Masters 1000 in Madrid. A debut that saw him overwhelm a timid player Alexander Shevchenko with the score 6-2, 6-1. The Spaniard was forced to miss the Monte Carlo and Barcelona tournaments due to a right arm problem; problem not completely solved but which did not create great difficulties for him today.
Carlos Alcaraz: “I only decided yesterday to play. For now I’m not thinking about winning the tournament”
“My physiotherapist told me to wear protection and I did. He didn’t explain exactly how it helps me, but I trust him completely and obey.
I felt good on the pitch. I didn’t feel anything, even though I think about it every time I hit hard or hit a forehand. I’m surprised that I was able to express such a high level today. The main thing was my sensations and I’m happy that I didn’t notice anything strange,” Alcaraz said at the press conference.
“I tried to play in a more relaxed way even if it goes a bit against my essence. But at the moment I prefer to play with this intensity. For now I don’t want to think about winning the tournament, I’m concentrating game after game.
I always want to win when I go on the pitch, but now the most important thing is not to have pain in my arm. At the slightest warning, I doubt I would continue playing.”
