Paris (France) (AFP) - Winner this Sunday of the Paris Masters 1000, Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz considers that he is playing at his "best level" since his return to the courts at the end of August after four months injured.

First modification: 11/08/2026 - 22:27

The 23-year-old Iberian won the Parisian event for the first time, a week after winning the ATP 500 in Vienna.

Question: This week in Paris you showed great determination, especially saving two match points against American Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals. How did it feel to win this tournament?

Answer: "The match against Taylor gave me a lot of information. I saw that I had many things to learn and improve if I wanted to continue winning. I understood that I had to really let go of my shots to win here, and even more so in the most difficult moments. I am delighted to have saved those match points against Taylor and to have shown my best tennis. I am very happy and proud of what I have achieved on the court."

Q: Do you think you are playing your best tennis since your return from injury at the end of August?

A: "This has probably been my best week. In terms of tennis, I feel at the same level as at the ATP 500 in Vienna, but this week I think that, mentally, I have taken a step forward. There have been very difficult moments during the matches. I have tried to fight with myself, stay mentally strong, focused on the present moment, control my emotions. These last two weeks, without a doubt, I have played at my best level."

Q: American Ben Shelton (defeated 7-6 (7/5), 7-5 in the final) has an incredible serve. How did he manage to win so many points with his first serve?

A: "It is difficult to be in an attacking position after that serve, it is very difficult to control the ball. He has incredible hitting power. That makes it difficult to control the ball. I knew it from the beginning. I knew I was going to run a lot. I tried to focus on my game and I succeeded."

Q: Your next tournament is the Masters in Turin (November 15-22), which brings together the eight best tennis players of the season. Do you feel like you are the favorite?

A: "This tournament (Paris) has been decided by small details. I feel comfortable, I am improving on this surface (indoor hard court). In Turin I will try to do the same as here. Honestly, it doesn't matter if I am the favorite or not."

© 2026 AFP

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