Alcaraz, the Wimbledon champion, acknowledges the challenge posed by his main rival, Novak Djokovic, the 10-time and defending Australian Open champion. Despite not playing a competitive match since the ATP Finals in November, Alcaraz remains a favorite for the title, showcasing his star quality.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In preparation, he participated in two exhibition matches, securing a victory against Djokovic in Riyadh on December 27 but falling to Alex de Minaur in a charity match in Melbourne last week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his excitement to return to Australia, Alcaraz shared his anticipation for the tournament, emphasizing how he missed the action while watching from the sidelines last year. \"I\u2019m really excited to play here in Australia again. I missed it last year, watching all the matches,\u201d said Alcaraz to Eurosport.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, he faces an additional challenge with the absence of his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who underwent surgery. Despite this setback, Alcaraz remains connected with Ferrero through daily communication, expressing optimism about the coach's recovery and potential return later in the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Juan Carlos had surgery,\" Alcaraz explained. \"But it's something that can happen to anyone. He\u2019s recovering and hopefully (I\u2019ll have) him for the rest of the season. (We\u2019ll talk) every day. He\u2019s not here, but almost. We text every day, before the matches. I\u2019m almost with him.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The young talent had a remarkable 2023, clinching the Wimbledon crown and winning six titles while navigating between world No. 1 and No. 2 in the rankings. Surprisingly, the thought of becoming the top-ranked player never crossed Alcaraz's mind. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on his game, staying true to himself, and continuously improving without getting entangled in the complexities of rankings and tournament defenses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I didn\u2019t know that I could become world No.1,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"One of the best things I can do is not think about the points, not think about defending tournaments, and just focus on being myself, playing my tennis and improving the things I have to improve.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n", "image": "https:\/\/img.cricketnmore.com\/uploads\/2024\/01\/i-didnt-know-that-i-could-become-world-no1-carlos-alcaraz.jpeg", "alt_img": "I didn\u2019t know that I could become world No.1: Carlos Alcaraz", "alt_title": "ATP Finals: Alcaraz sails into semis on debut, sets showdown with Djokovic", "image1": null, "video": null, "seo_title": "I Didn\u2019t Know That I Could Become World No.1: Carlos Alcaraz On Cricketnmore", "seo_desc": "I Didn\u2019t Know That I Could Become World No.1: Carlos Alcaraz, Juan Carlos Ferrero: Carlos Alcaraz gears up for his debut at the 2024 Australian Open, having missed the previous year's.", "seo_keywords": "Carlos Alcaraz, New Delhi, Australian Open, Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic, ATP Finals, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Juan Carlos", "tag": "", "tagging": "Carlos Alcaraz, New Delhi, Australian Open, Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic, ATP Finals, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Juan Carlos", "status": "1", "img_rpt": "0", "google": "1", "standout": "0", "edapps": "0", "pulse": "0", "no_index": "0", "feed": "0", "fixture": null, "slug": "i-didnt-know-that-i-could-become-world-no1-carlos-alcaraz", "user_id": "0", "read_count": "0", "ians_date": null, "ians_time": null, "server_time": null, "trash": "0", "view_count": "665", "page_break": "0", "instant_articles": "1", "auto_link": "0", "created": "2024-01-16 15:56:02", "updated": "2024-01-16 15:56:02", "img_from": "Image Source: IANS", "img_source": null, "schedule_publish": null, "news_keywords": "Carlos Alcaraz, New Delhi, Australian Open, Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic, ATP Finals, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Juan Carlos", "livescore_text": null, "livescore_link": null, "btn_text": null, "resend_feed": "1", "google_feed": "1", "read_more": "0", "posted_by": "23", "jio_date": "2024-01-16 15:56:02", "scheduled": "0", "news_now": "0", "breaking_news": "0", "google_date": null, "featured": "0", "sports_name": "tennis", "cnmid": "852515", "link": "https:\/\/www.cricketnmore.com\/sports-news\/i-didnt-know-that-i-could-become-world-no1-carlos-alcaraz-12243" }