CARLOS ALCARAZ said the opportunity to quickly reclaim the world number one ranking from his big rival Jannik Sinner provided him additional motivation for this week’s Barcelona Open, but steady improvement during the clay season remained his top priority.
Alcaraz surrendered his Monte Carlo title and the top rank to Sinner after Sunday’s final in Monaco but the Spaniard will have the chance to climb back to his perch by capturing the trophy on familiar territory in Barcelona.
The twice champion’s hopes are boosted by the absence of Sinner in the draw, after the Italian took a break following back-to-back triumphs in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo over the last few weeks.
Alcaraz, who begins his campaign against Otto Virtanen later on Tuesday, will remain world number two if he fails to win the title.
The Spaniard hopes to play a full schedule on clay this season with events to follow in Madrid and Rome ahead of his French Open title defense beginning in Paris on May 24. — Reuters
