CNN
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Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has massive ambitions – and a type of is to have the ability to emulate a few of the sport’s greats akin to Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal by profitable titles instantly after getting back from harm.
The 19-year-old didn’t play a aggressive match for greater than three months as he recovered from stomach and hamstring accidents, however returned final month with victory on the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.
His type has continued to look spectacular and he’s now reached the semifinals of Indian Wells after beating Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime on Thursday.
“I look to the massive gamers, [Novak] Djokovic or Rafa [Nadal], when they’re coming from an harm and possibly they’ve an incredible proportion to win the event after an harm,” the world No. 2 informed reporters Thursday.
“I checked out them just a little bit after I was injured, you realize, coaching. They motivated me to play an excellent sport after an harm within the first tournaments.
“I used to be shocked after I gained Buenos Aires, however proper now, I’m not shocked at it.”
Alcaraz, who has not dropped a set thus far this event, will face Italy’s Jannik Sinner on Saturday for a spot within the Indian Wells closing – an opponent he final beat within the US Open quarterfinals on the best way to his maiden grand slam title final 12 months.
If he beats the Italian once more, Alcaraz is not going to solely have a shot of profitable Indian Wells however will even be one win away from reclaiming the world No.1 spot from Djokovic.
On the age of 19 years and 214 days, the Spaniard turned the youngest year-end world No.1 final season earlier than relinquishing the title to Djokovic after the Serb gained the Australian Open this 12 months.
Alcaraz, although, is just not getting carried away and is simply centered on what guarantees to be a spectacular match towards the gifted Sinner.
“For the opponent it’s actually robust to be centered mentally and bodily throughout the entire match,” he stated.
“That’s what I like enjoying towards him, that it pushes me to the restrict.”
