INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time defending champion on the BNP Paribas Open, stated the absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner “did not change [anything] in any respect” for him in his preparation for this week’s match at Indian Wells.
Sinner, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion and a 2024 Indian Wells semifinalist, is serving a three-month suspension after twice testing constructive for hint quantities of Clostebol almost a 12 months in the past.
He’s eligible to return through the clay season in Might.
“Jannik’s not taking part in, however there are numerous the perfect gamers on the earth [who] are taking part in right here,” Alcaraz advised reporters Tuesday throughout his media day information convention. “I believe the draw is actually open, and numerous gamers [are] taking part in nice tennis.
“For me, coming right here to method the match, it would not change in any respect. I am simply targeted on my issues, on myself, and I attempt to play good tennis right here.”
Alcaraz, 21, will look to affix Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as simply the third man in historical past to win three consecutive titles within the California desert.
However he stated his focus is not on making historical past.
“I’ll strive not to consider it. I’ll strive simply to get pleasure from it,” Alcaraz stated. “As a result of this match — each time that I come right here, I get pleasure from a lot … working towards, taking part in. All the things for me right here is really easy. So all I am pondering is to get pleasure from this match. I am ready the entire 12 months simply to come back again right here.
“So I’ll strive not to consider it. Simply move and see how it may be. … However it’s one thing that for me can be nice to realize.”
Alcaraz has a first-round bye and can play his second-round match Saturday in opposition to Quentin Halys or a qualifier.