Carlos Alcaraz feels he has become the number one target at the Masters 1000 ATP in Indian Wells. He feels like the main target of every player behind him in the rankings. The 22-year-old Spaniard perceives that his rivals are increasingly motivated to defeat him.
Alcaraz said, “Sometimes I get tired of playing against Roger Federer in every round. If they always played like they do against me, they would be higher in the ranking”, after a comeback against Arthur Rinderknech.
Alcaraz Feels the Pressure
Alcaraz, who previously held the world number one position after his US Open Grand Slam win, recognises the shift from being the newcomer to a marked player. Rafa Nadal noted Alcaraz is already a legend, as few have won seven Grand Slams, especially at his age.
With an undefeated season record of 14-0, Alcaraz is the youngest player to have won all four Grand Slams, including his first Australian Open, adding to his Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open titles.
Alcaraz recognises he is at a level of dominance above Jannik Sinner, making him a prime target. He acknowledges the pressure, admitting he still experiences doubts and fears.
“Obviously, it is something that worries me. It’s what I think about while I’m playing. The only thing I can do is accept it and move on, try to impose my style. But everything starts with accepting this situation,” Alcaraz reflected.
Ruud Among Those Seeking to End Alcaraz’s Run
Alcaraz will be the number one target again. Among those hoping to end his streak, which includes reaching the final in 12 of his last thirteen tournaments and winning nine, is Casper Ruud, the 27-year-old ranked number 13.
Alcaraz aims to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells for the fifth consecutive year. He won in 2023 and 2024, defeating Daniil Medvedev in both finals, and reached the semi-finals in 2022 and 2025 against Rafa Nadal and Jack Draper, respectively.
- Alcaraz has beaten Ruud in five of their six encounters.
- He has won all four matches against Ruud on hard courts in outdoor conditions.
- Alcaraz has won his previous 32 matches in the current conditions.
Alcaraz Remains Focused Despite Challenges
Ruud defeated him indoors at the 2024 ATP Finals, but Alcaraz regained his form in the 2025 Tokyo semi-finals. Despite the challenges of being the number one target, Alcaraz occupies this position due to his potential for success in the sport.
The responsibility is high for Alcaraz as he aims for the quarter finals of Indian Wells for the fifth year in a row.
It is wearing to feel like the number one enemy, but it is still a position of privilege, desired by all, and that Alcaraz occupies because he has everything to succeed in this sport, as he is already doing.