Carlos Alcaraz missed four months due to injury, but has resumed at the same pace before the report. The Spaniard advanced to the final of the Argentina Open and the top seed will try to secure his first title of 2023 at his first tournament since last year’s Rolex Paris Masters.
“It’s a very special moment for me,” Alcaraz said. “I was a bit down after the injury, so I’ve had to get my confidence and rhythm back in these four months. Going back for my first tournament of 2023 and reaching the final is very special for me.” The 19-year-old knows he will face a tough opponent in the championship matchup against second seed Cameron Norrie.
The Spaniard leads their ATP Head2Head series 3-1, but Norrie took his most recent meeting last year in Cincinnati. “I’ve played a couple of times against him. He’s a very, very tough player,” Alcaraz said. “I know I have to give it my all in the final.
I’m going to say that it’s going to be a very tough final, but at the same time very beautiful.” Of course, Alcaraz knows that the finals are different matches from the rest… and they are also the most motivating. The Spaniard, who has a 5-1 record in definitions, does not hesitate and assures: “Finals are not played every day, I am going to enjoy it…
but finals are not played, they are won.” “Nerves will always come, but that is good because it keeps you focused. I am competitive, I go for everything, I have to release the tension of playing a final again and I will go out to enjoy it and win it ”, he predicted.
An authentic Alcaraz goes for a new trophy this Sunday.
Carlos Alcaraz is a true champion
A final for his return after three months away from the circuit, Carlos Alcaraz could not have dreamed of better. He confirmed his rise to power against his compatriot Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the semi-finals on Friday evening (6-2, 6-2).
The level of adversity is now set to increase on Sunday as world No. 12 Cameron Norrie comes up against him. Already winner of six titles for two lost finals in his young career, the world number 2 explained his way of approaching these matches.
“The controlled nerves are pretty good: they keep you very focused and don’t let you get distracted at all. I am a very competitive player and I approach the finals with the following philosophy: the finals are not played, they are won.
I keep that very much in mind. I have to give it my all, I can’t let the nerves of a final get in the way, stop me from letting off steam, having fun or being myself on the court. Especially in the beginning, you need to release the tension of playing an endgame and go out there and enjoy it.”
