Carlos Alcaraz explains how he snatched the lead from Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz, the No. 1 seed in the Six Kings Slam, defends the tennis players’ choice to participate in the lavish tournament-exhibition, despite the misgivings of many about the overly clogged schedule and the exertions to which the racquet champions are subjected. Here are the words of the world number 1.

“I understand the criticism, but sometimes people don’t understand us. Many players and many people discuss the calendar, how players complain about the calendar and then play some exhibition.

“All I can say is that playing exhibitions is a really different format, a different situation than playing official tournaments, where you play for 15-16 days in a row, with such a high concentration and physical commitment. That– added Alcaraz – is why we go: we just have fun for one or two days and play tennis, and I think that is great, and that is why sometimes we choose exhibitions”.

“Playing here is not as challenging as when you face two weeks of a tournament. But everything is fine. I am recovering the ankle as much as I can and as best as I can. Sinner? We hope to meet in the finals. It’s not an official tournament, but we play it like it is. Mentally, whoever wins here could have an impact.”

“Until before the U.S. Open, I wasn’t really thinking about regaining the top spot. It was a goal, but it seemed very far away. I wasn’t killing myself or anxious to reach it. Week after week, I did my part to keep going and reduce Jannik’s points.

At the US Open, I realized that getting back to number one was up to me. I didn’t try to put pressure on myself. I played my good tennis until I finally succeeded. It is something I achieved with daily and weekly commitment, without any coveting.”