Pressure on as Alcaraz gets up to speed

Carlos Alcaraz had to make the adjustment to the faster courts at the Paris Masters before emerging with an opening 6-4, 6-4 defeat of Yoshihito Nishikova on Wednesday to reach the third round.

But his main job this week will be to reach at least the Friday quarter-finals if he wants to hold onto the top ranking position amid pressure form senior compatriot Rafael Nadal.

If Alcaraz fails to beat Grigor Dimitrov in the Thursday third round, his chances of retaining the top ranking spot would be in serious danger.

The world No. 1 Spaniard admitted that after competing last week in Basel, making the change to the Bercy arena took some doing.

“I would say I played really well,” the top seed said. “Of course I have many things to improve after the first round (match). 

“Opening matches) are never easy. I have to get used to these conditions that are different than Basel.

“I served well, went to the net well, and on the baseline I played very well.But I’m looking for the next round, get better.”

The 19-year-old US Open winner with five titles this season finished off Japan’s Nishioka with 30 winners, won 12 of the final 14 points and made five love holds.

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz is presented with ATP World No, 1 trophy in Bercy – by Chryslene Caillaud