Alcaraz Sets Ambitious Goals After Strong Start at Paris Masters
Carlos Alcaraz kicked off his 2024 Paris Masters campaign with a resounding victory, sending a clear message to his competitors. The world No. 2 expressed his determination to “win every tournament” he enters for the remainder of the season, emphasizing that he is “playing great.”
In his opening match at the prestigious Masters 1000 event, Alcaraz dispatched world No. 37 Nicolas Jarry with a score of 7-5, 6-1. This win marks a significant step for the four-time Grand Slam champion as he aims for his 17th ATP title—his first on indoor courts.
Historically, Alcaraz has had a mixed record at the Paris Masters, with his best performance coming in 2022 when he reached the quarter-finals. However, that run ended prematurely due to an injury that forced him to retire against Holger Rune. In previous appearances, he made it to the third round in 2021 but faced an early exit in the second round last year.
Following the withdrawal of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz has emerged as the tournament favorite. After his match against Jarry, he spoke to Tennis TV about his performance and his history at the event. “I think I played really good tennis [in the first set], but at the end it was complicated,” he reflected. “I’m just really happy to get through the first set; it was really important for me to enter the second with more confidence.”
Alcaraz noted that adapting to the speed of the indoor court was crucial. “I think I need time on this court to get used to its pace. And yeah, just really, really happy. It’s been two years since I last won here in Paris-Bercy, so every time I keep progressing in this tournament feels like a gift.”
When discussing his goals for the rest of the season, Alcaraz remained focused and ambitious. “To win every tournament I play. I think I’m playing great, and I’m really proud of my year overall,” he stated. “With just a few tournaments left until the end of the season, I’m eager to win here. I’ll take it week by week and day by day, hoping for a great result.”
Looking ahead, Alcaraz is set to face either Ugo Humbert or Marcos Giron in the third round of the Paris Masters on Thursday. Following this tournament, he will compete at the ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, marking an exciting end to an already remarkable season.