Alcaraz still trying to have fun despite target on his back

[Miss Ifeoluwa]

Mar 18, 2023; India Wells, California, USA; In the BNP Paribas Open's semi-final match at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) defeats Jannik Sinner (ITA).

Credit that is a must: Carlos Alcaraz, a teenager, told Jayne Kamin-Oncea of USA TODAY Sports that despite his meteoric rise to the top of tennis, he is unfazed by the pressure of being viewed as a favorite. He also said that he is not distracted by the lure of being world number one and simply tries to enjoy every match.

After winning the U.S. Open in September, the Spaniard, who is currently ranked second in the world, became the youngest ever number one. If he defeats Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's Indian Wells final, he can reach the top again.

Alcaraz reached his third final of 2023 by defeating Jannik Sinner 7-6(4) 6-3 on Saturday. He had previously won the title in Buenos Aires and reached the final in Rio de Janeiro in February after missing more than three months due to injuries to his abdominal and hamstring.

It doesn't change a lot for me," Alcaraz told journalists. " I don't give a damn about the fact that I'm always going to win. That I have to win every match doesn't bother me.

"I only think about my goals and the things I need to do. That's all I think about. I try to have fun at every game. I have nothing else on my mind.

"I am aware that if I win tomorrow, I will be the number one. I will try to ignore that thought. I must ensure that everything is flawless. I'll only think about that tomorrow."

A former world number one, Russian Medvedev defeated Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 7-6(4) to extend his winning streak to 19 matches. He is looking for his fourth title in as numerous competitions after triumphs in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai.

Medvedev stated that their matchup on Sunday was unrelated to his victory over Alcaraz in the second round at Wimbledon in 2021, their only previous encounter.

Medvedev stated, "He was definitely not the same player as he is now." Therefore, in a sense, it will be similar to our first match in terms of our tactical, physical, and tennis strategies.

"It's going to be a lot of fun to play against him." "He's amazing, and he has amazing skills that are difficult to compare to anyone."