After an injury-stricken start to the 2023 season, Carlos Alcaraz has regained his position as one of the most explosive and formidable players in the world of men’s tennis.
The 19-year-old has won 17 out of 18 matches played so far this season, winning titles at the Argentina Open and earlier this month in Indian Wells. Currently on a nine-match winning streak, the Spaniard recently returned to the world No.1 position and must win the Miami Masters to maintain the top spot heading into the clay swing.
Alcaraz’s recent dominance is taking place during the absence of Novak Djokovic who is currently unable to enter America due to being unvaccinated against COVID-19. As a result, the two haven’t locked horns on the Tour since last year’s Madrid Open when Alcaraz prevailed in a three-set epic.
There is no doubt that the Serbian will be keen to avenge that defeat in the future but who would win in a match if both players were playing at their very best?
“I have to play against Novak when he is 100%, I would say in Madrid he played really, really well. So it was close.” Alcaraz said following his 6-3, 6-3, win over Tommy Paul in Miami on Tuesday.
“I agree with him. When he’s 100%, probably he’s one of or is the best player in the world.’
“What Novak has achieved, the level of Novak for example in Australia was unbelievable, really high. I really want to play against Novak when he’s 100% and I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it.”
The world No.1 is already the youngest player to defeat both Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at the same tournament, as well as the first to do so at a clay event.
Alcaraz hasn’t lost a set on the Tour since losing in the final of the Rio Open to Cameron Norrie last month. At the Miami Masters, he has produced comprehensive victories over Facundo Bagnis, Dusan Lajovic and Paul. Should he defend his title in Miami, he would become the first player outside of the Big Three to do so since Andre Agassi back in 2003.
As for his current fitness, Alcaraz has insisted that his recent woes are behind him. He was forced to miss the Australian Open due to a leg injury and more recently sustained a minor hamstring problem. Furthermore, an abdominal issue ruled him out of the ATP Finals last November.
“Right now I feel healthy, in every way and (I’m) not thinking about my leg,” he said.
“All I’m thinking about is to play at my high level at my 100%.”
Awaiting Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of Miami will be Taylor Fritz in what will be the first-ever Tour meeting between the two players. Fritz, who defeated Holger Rune in his third round match, currently has a win-loss record of 16-29 against top-10 opposition.
“I’m really excited about it. I think that a lot of people are really excited for that too,” Fritz said of their upcoming clash. “We have never played each other. I think it’s an interesting matchup and I think it would be a lot of fun to play him.”
“Obviously he’s been playing great lately and he had some injuries but obviously hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been just on fire.”
Alcaraz’s clash with Fritz will take place on Wednesday in Miami.
