Carlos Alcaraz Sets New Goal For Season

 

Carlos Alcaraz is taking a timeout from the ongoing clay-court season, setting a new goal, despite withdrawing from the Madrid Open due to a wrist injury. 

The two-time champion pulled out of the just-concluded Barcelona Open after his first-round match with Otto Virtenan. He is also set to miss the Italian Open, which kicks off next week for the same reason. He made this known at the Laureus World Sportsman award ceremony on Friday. 

"I can be earlier playing in Rome (Italian Open). I will be, but I'll try not to be in a rush," said Alcaraz in an interview. "I'll try to take the time that I needed, but obviously, the main goal is to be ready for Roland Garros (French Open) as best as I can. "

Alcatraz has not won a Masters 1,000 title this season, despite participating in all three previous events. He lost in the Monte Carlo Masters final to Jannik Sinner and consequently lost his number one ATP World Ranking to the Italian.

However, the Spaniard has not been without a title since the start of the season. He won his maiden Australian Open title in February, extending his Grand Slam total to seven. He won his second title of the season at the Qatar Open, his maiden title at the event.