2022 US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has said that he feels really comfortable playing at the Indian Wells after defeating Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets. Alcaraz beat Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-3 in the third round of Indian Wells in California.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 13, 2023 09:39 IST
Carlos Alcaraz beat Thanasi Kokkinakis in Indian Wells (AP)
By India Today Web Desk: 2022 US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has said that he feels really comfortable playing at the Indian Wells after defeating Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets. Alcaraz beat Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-3 in the third round of Indian Wells in California.
Speaking after his win, Alcaraz said he feels really comfortable playing at the Indian Wells tournament, adding that he felt the love since the moment he came onto the court.
“I feel really comfortable playing here, staying here. I felt the love since I came onto the court. I have great memories, I made my first semi-finals at a Masters 1000 here, had that match against Rafa (Nadal). It’s so special to come back here,” said Alcaraz.
The Spaniard went on to say that he played his best, and enjoyed playing against Kokkinakis. Alcaraz reached the semi-finals at Indian Wells last year as well and took just one hour and 18 minutes to overcome Kokkinakis.
“I would say I played my best, apart from everything: the points that I have to defend, the semi-finals that I have to defend. I tried not to think about that, just to play my game, to enjoy playing here. Of course I tried to make people enjoy watching tennis here. That’s what I liked from tonight,” Alcaraz added.
Alcaraz hit 21 winners against Kokkinakis and dropped just one point on his serve in the opening set. He showed no signs of the hamstring injury that had ruled him out for two weeks. The 19-year-old has a chance of returning to the world number 1 spot if he goes on to win the event.
Alcaraz will next play Dutch tennis star Tallon Griekspoor, who beat Guido Pella 7-6(3) 7-6(4) earlier. Should Alcaraz overcome Griekspoor, he will face either Andy Murray or Jack Draper.
