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A16 SPORTS
Wednesday 26 april 2023

Alcaraz goes for Spanish double, No. 1 spot at Madrid Open

By TALES AZZONI Alcaraz would only need to winning in Rome. son and ninth overall in his 2016-18.
AP Sports Writer play one match in Rome to Alcaraz had never suc- impressive young career. “I’m a bit tired after Bar-
MADRID (AP) — Carlos Al- be back at No. 1. The Span- cessfully defended a title He was the first player to re- celona, but the focus is al-
caraz gets another chance iard can also get back to until winning the Barcelona peat as Barcelona cham- ready on this tournament
to defend a title at home in the top by playing at least Open this year, which gave pion since Nadal won there (in Madrid),” Alcaraz said.
Spain, and move closer to one match in Madrid and him his third title of the sea- three times in a row from “I’ve gained a lot of experi-
regaining the No. 1 ranking. ence since my win here last
After winning in Barcelona year. I’ve grown both as a
for a second year in a row player and as a person. I’m
last week, the 19-year-old still the same person, but
Alcaraz stayed in Spain maybe a bit more mature.”
to try to repeat as Madrid Alcaraz beat both Nadal
Open champion and prac- and Djokovic on his way to
tically guarantee a return his Madrid title last year. He
to the top of the rankings. said playing at home did
Daniil Medvedev will be his not add any extra pressure.
top challenger at the clay- “It’s always motivating to
court tournament after the have my family, friends and
withdrawals of Rafael Nad- local fans supporting me,”
al and Novak Djokovic be- Alcaraz said. “I don’t see it
cause of injuries. Defending as pressure. It’s a pleasure
women’s champion Ons to be able to play in front of
Jabeur also won’t play in my people in Spain. It’s dif-
Madrid this year because ferent than anywhere else.
of an injury. It’s a unique feeling.”
The second-ranked Alcaraz Four other players have a
is chasing Djokovic for the chance to become No. 1
No. 1 spot after having heading into the French
traded the top ranking with Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, poses with the trophy after winning the final Godo tennis tournament Open, including Medve-
him three times this season. against Stefanos Tsitsipas, of Greece, in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, April 23, 2023. dev, who did not play in
If he wins the title in Madrid, Associated Press Madrid last year.q