Carlos Alcaraz will return to the hotbed of ATP competition from Monday’s start of the Toronto Masters, with the Spanish prodigy still coming to grips with his Wimbledon title last month.
The 20-year-old world No. 1 leads the field in Ontario ahead of Daniil Medvedev and Casper Ruud; weekend Los Cabos champion Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dane Holger Rune round of the tournament Top 5.
Alcaraz will be playing for the second time in Canada after losing his opening Tour match in the country a year ago.
The Spaniard is trying to put his Wimbledon title in the back of his mind and concentrate on building for the defence of his US Open crown from 2022.
“I know that everything has come very fast. Big tournaments, two Grand Slams, and I’m only 20 years old. I know that I am very young,” he said after arriving in North America on Friday.
“I’ve worked to be in this position to fight for great things, but you never realise it until you’ve done it.
“There are times when I think about the last point at the US Open (2022), and the last point at Wimbledon and other great tournaments I’ve won and I still can’t believe it.
“I get goosebumps, it’s crazy.”
Alcaraz is determined to cure his Canadian jinx when he opens after a bye against the winner from compatriot Bernabé Zapata or American Ben Shelton.
““I remember last year I didn’t have a good tournament in Canada. I have come this year to change it,” he said.
“I hope to go far, do better than last season. A year later, I think I’ve learned a lot from that situation, how to deal with pressure.
“A year later, I am totally different.”
Main photo:-Wimbledon Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with Men’s Singles Final trophy by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
