Alcaraz: The key to the good level I have been playing is...

Player Features

Alcaraz: The key to the good level I have been playing is...

World No. 1 Alcaraz pursuing his third Indian Wells title

ATP Tour

Carlos Alcaraz is the top seed at the BNP Paribas Open. By ATP Staff

Carlos Alcaraz, who is the top seed at the BNP Paribas Open, believes the key to his perfect 12-0 start in 2026 does not have to do with forehands and backhands.

“I think on the court I control my emotions even better. I would say that was the key of the good level of tennis that I have been playing lately,” Alcaraz said during his pre-tournament press conference. “Because on the court, I just control myself, and in a calm place I can find the solutions.”

The Spaniard completed his Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open and maintained his momentum with a run to the Doha title. The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings is channeling his mindset into wins early in the season.

“When I was getting mad or when I was playing bad or whatever, I just found the right way again, because I was calm,” Alcaraz said. “I was controlling myself and controlling my emotions and I was maintaining my good focus. I would say I was doing that even better than before.”

Alcaraz now is at a happy hunting ground at Indian Wells, where he owns a 20-3 record according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The 22-year-old claimed glory in the California desert in 2023 and 2024.

For the first time, Alcaraz arrives at Indian Wells undefeated. The top seed is full of confidence leading into the season’s first ATP Masters 1000 event.

“I just [am] really proud about my start of the year,” Alcaraz said. “Hopefully the winning streak continues or I would try that, but I’m just happy to see myself playing great tennis.”

Alcaraz will begin his pursuit of his third Indian Wells title against former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov or surging French lefty Terence Atmane.

“It's been going really great, to be honest,” Alcaraz said. “Feeling a little bit different compared to other years, but [I have had a] couple good practices. [I am] back and ready, so it's been good and I'm excited to begin.”

Click here to read article