Carlos Alcaraz (1)who may meet in the quarterfinals with the Italian Jannik Sinner (6)admitted Monday that many people were hoping that match would take place, which would be “revenge” for the memorable rivalry they staged at last year’s US Open.
“Well, I think everybody wants that match. I think when the draw came out everybody wanted that potential quarter-final, jannik against me, because of the fight against him last year. It’s one of the best matches I’ve played in my career”, said the Spaniard in a press conference in reference to that unforgettable match of more than five hours that took place against sinful in the quarterfinals of 2022 and that ended around three in the morning.
“Against him, it was a really difficult match (…). I think we pushed each other to the limit when we face each other. We raised our level to the maximum. I love playing against him. It’s a great battle, ” he added.
Reigning US Open champion Alcaraz knocked out the Italian in the round of 16 on Monday Matteo Arnaldi (61) by 6-3, 6-3 and 6-4 in one hour and 57 minutes.
In the quarterfinals he will face the winner of the match between Sinner and the German Alexander Zverev (12), which will be performed tonight.
The Murcian, who passed the Italian, enjoyed his “solid” moment as he reached the quarterfinals.
“You can always be better, you can never stagnate no matter how well you play or feel. But I am very happy with the level I am showing. A very serious level, with few ups and downs, and playing a style that I like to play now what we focus on putting in every game”, he reasoned.
Asked if he could see himself ready to play a hypothetical final tomorrow, Alcaraz answered in the affirmative.
“Each player asks different things from you. You try to adapt a little bit to what the opponent asks of you. But if I have to play that final tomorrow, I will be ready and, to be honest , with a very good level, ” he said.
The man from El Palmar also said that he does not feel special pressure to defend the title of Flushing Meadows this year.
“I try to be focused on my game, that I have to put my best level on the track (…). That’s the only thing that worries me”, he assured.
In the end, Alcaraz minimized the bandage on his left thigh that he wore this Monday in his match in the round of 16.
“It’s really hard to play the ‘Grand Slam’. You have a lot of tough matches in two weeks. It’s normal for me that you get sick in your body and you have to take care of it,” he said.
“It’s nothing serious, it was just for prevention. I mean, I felt a little pain in my left leg, but nothing serious,” he added.
Source: La Verdad
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