Carlos Alcaraz continues his title defence in the California desert, and has now detailed how he plans to taste silverware once again.
With many worrying about his recent form, which has admittedly taken a slight dip in the past few months, few gave him a chance of retaining the Indian Wells trophy.
However, with a comprehensive recent win over Felix Auger-Aliassime, it feels like the tide is once again turning in his favour.
Even if his run to the final is one that is certain to be laden with tough opponents, there seems to be a quiet growing confidence that the 2023 champion will find himself in the same position again this year.
Carlos Alcaraz on his Indian Wells defence
Speaking to the Indian Wells Press, the Spaniard detailed his plans for defending this prestigious title.
And whilst he will face an arduous run should he reach the final again in California, it will likely be no more difficult than the one he managed in 2023.
He noted: ‘Well, I think the first thing that you have to do foif you want to defend the title is you forget that you won the title last year. It’s about being yourself, being at 100% every day if you want to do good results here. I’m not thinking about I have to defend the title, I have to play in the final.
‘I’m just focusing on every day giving my 100% in every practice, in every match how I can be better. I think if I’m following that path, I’ll do really good results.’
Carlos Alcaraz has a tough run to the Indian Wells title
Should he squeeze past Fabian Maroszan in the next round, which it is largely expected that he will, the two-time Grand Slam winner will then start to see his title defence heat up instantly.
After all, he will face the winner of Alex De Minaur and Alexander Zverev, the latter of which actually dumped him out of the Australian Open in January.
Then, should Alcaraz maintain his form, he could well face Jannik Sinner once again.
Whilst he beat his Italian friend in his run to the title in 2023, this year the 22-year-old is a different beast.
Unbeaten in 2024 and with his first major title under his belt, it could represent a true clash of the young titans should it be thrown up.
And then, Novak Djokovic likely will loom in the final.
To defend all of his ranking points and one of his most prestigious titles to date, he will have to battle through an all-time run to do so.
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