"I'm trying to move forward, to do it": Carlos Alcaraz again sets sights on World Number One spot after shaky Argentina Open first round win

Carlos Alcaraz admits that the World No.1 spot is his ultimate goal after having a shaky start to the Argentina Open Buenos Aires defeating Camilo Carabelli 6-2, 7-5.

A tournament that Alcaraz is expected to win being the by far top name in the field, he is setting his sights even higher. Albeit he will aim to be careful in this mission consuming him with the end of last season seeing the 20-year-old being all consumed by the World No.1 and his form taking a dent as a result. But it is on his mind.

“It’s a goal,” Alcaraz said on court after his win in Argentina. “You have to set goals for yourself. I’m trying to move forward, to do it.

“There are great players fighting for the number one ranking. It’s going to be a good fight. Hopefully I recover it soon.”

On the match itself, he was pleased to get through a tough examination and admits that him having home support also got to him at times. Next is Andrea Vavassori on Friday evening.

“It was a really tough match,” he said. “He’s a really good fighter and a player with good rhythm. He was really tough to beat.

“Playing my game… I started nervous, I’m not going to lie, with the crowd behind him supporting him. It’s normal obviously.

“I’m really happy with my first match on clay since Roland Garros. I’ll keep on going.”