Carlos Alcaraz gives blunt response about Jannik Sinner’s absence at Indian Wells

World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz will bid to complete a three-peat at Indian Wells to emulate Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Carlos Alcaraz gives blunt response about Jannik Sinner’s absence at Indian Wells

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Images via X)

Carlos Alcaraz will be chasing his second ATP title of the season at the Indian Wells Open. He will be the top seed due to the absence of World No.1 Jannik Sinner as he is serving his three-month doping ban.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has reached a case resolution with the 23-year-old just before the Qatar Open and withdrew their appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). His ban will lift on May 4 just a few days before the Italian Open which means he will miss several ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.

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The World No.3 will be locking horns with a qualifier (Quentin Halys or Pablo Carreno Busta). Ahead of his opening round match, he chose not to divulge much about Sinner not playing Indian Wells when asked during the pre-tournament press conference.

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Jannik’s not playing, but there are a lot of the best players in the world (that) are playing here. I think the draw is really open. I’m just focused on my things, on myself, and I try to play good tennis here.

Carlos Alcaraz said

The 21-year-old will enter the tournament as a two-time defending champion. He wants to emulate Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic both of who have completed a three-peat in the Californian desert and have lifted five titles, the most in the history of Men’s singles. Alcaraz could once again face the 24-time Grand Slam champion if both of them reach the quarterfinals.

Carlos Alcaraz questions why surface is changed at Indian Wells

Carlos Alcaraz can’t fathom the need for a change of surface at Indian Wells. The courts previously were known to be one of the slowest hard courts in big tournaments.

Carlos Alcaraz (2)
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X)

Just a few days before the tournament, the surface was changed from Plexipave to Laykold which is used at the Miami Open and the US Open. Alcaraz is not a fan of faster courts and made feelings clear about the changes.

It was 25 years (since) the tournament, it was the same court, and then right now has changed. I don’t know the reason why (they) did it.

Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference

Daniil Medvedev had called the change a “freaking disgrace to the sport“. Alcaraz, however, has confidence in his ability to adapt to different conditions. In the previous two years in Indian Wells finals, the four-time Grand Slam champion had defeated the Russian in straight sets.