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Alcaraz: The key to me always playing well is…
World No. 1 Alcaraz pursues his third Indian Wells title
March 4, 2026
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz is the top seed at the BNP Paribas Open.
Written by ATP Staff
BNP Paribas Open top seed Carlos Alcaraz believes the key to his perfect 12-0 start in 2026 lies not in his forehand and backhand.
“I think I can control my emotions better on the court. I would say that’s been the key to my good tennis lately,” Alcaraz said at the pre-match press conference. “Because on the court, I just have to control myself and in a calm place I can find solutions.”
The Spaniard completed a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open and continued his momentum to claim the title in Doha. The PIF ATP No. 1 player is putting his mentality into winning early in the season.
“When I get angry or when I don’t play well or whatever, I find my way again because I’m calm,” Alcaraz said. “I controlled myself, controlled my emotions, maintained good focus. I would say I did better than I did before.”
Alcaraz is now in the happy hunting grounds of Indian Wells, where he has a 20-3 record according to the Infosys ATP Win-Loss Index. The 22-year-old has found glory in the California desert in 2023 and 2024.
Alcaraz arrives in Indian Wells undefeated for the first time. The top seed is confident heading into the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season.
“I just [am] “I’m very proud of the start of the year. Hopefully the streak continues or I’ll try to do it, but I’m happy to see myself playing good tennis,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz will begin his bid for his third Indian Wells title against former world No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov or French southpaw Terrence Altman.
“Honestly, things are going really well,” Alcaraz said. “It feels a little different compared to previous years, but [I have had a] Some good practices. [I am] Back and ready to go, so everything is good and I’m excited to get started. “
