Carlos Alcaraz mentioned on Monday he was not but at “one hundred pc” as he prepares to return from harm this week on the Paris Masters, regardless of having fun with a apply session with rival Novak Djokovic.
The Spanish star has not performed because the Shanghai Masters earlier this month attributable to decrease again and left foot accidents.
However the Wimbledon champion is match sufficient for a tilt at a primary Bercy title, forward of subsequent month’s ATP Finals in Turin.
“I’m not going to say that I’m one hundred pc as a result of it could possibly be a lie,” Alcaraz advised reporters.
“Right now of the 12 months, after an extended 12 months, I feel virtually each participant has slightly little bit of issues of their our bodies.
“I’m feeling in that approach. I’m feeling slightly little bit of ache, however I had a very good restoration these weeks. I’m coming right here feeling properly sufficient to do a great consequence right here.”
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Second seed Alcaraz might be among the many favourites within the French capital, regardless of failing to get previous the quarter-finals in his two earlier appearances. World primary Djokovic and in-form pair Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev are anticipated to be his foremost rivals.
The 20-year-old Spaniard retired injured from his last-eight match with Holger Rune 12 months in the past, after a third-round loss to house participant Hugo Gaston in 2021.
“I’m actually excited to play this match. I simply mentioned I’ve not nice recollections, however I’m attempting to overlook the whole lot that occur the years earlier than,” Alcaraz mentioned.
“I’m not serious about what occurred final 12 months and 2021. I’m simply specializing in this one.”
Djokovic is chasing a seventh Paris Masters title after dropping to Rune in final 12 months’s remaining.
The one Grand Slam trophy the Serbian star did not win this 12 months was at Wimbledon the place he suffered an epic five-set defeat within the remaining towards Alcaraz.
“I feel it was one of the simplest ways to prepare for this match, practise with the perfect one,” mentioned Alcaraz of his session with Djokovic.
“We spoke earlier than coming right here to Paris and we speak about if we are able to practise at some point. It occurred yesterday (Sunday). He received… Hopefully only for apply.”
Alcaraz will face Roman Safiullin in his opening match after the Russian beat France’s Alexandre Muller 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 within the first spherical.