"I told him we have more battles ahead" - Carlos Alcaraz reveals details of conversation with Tommy Paul at the net after Miami Open 4R clashÂ
Carlos Alcaraz booked his place in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Tommy Paul.
Both players produced some fine tennis but it was Alcaraz who came out on top. The pair shared a few words during their post-match handshake at the net, and the Spaniard was asked about it later while speaking to Tennis Channel's Prakash Amritraj.
Alcaraz, who is good friends with Paul, said the American told him he was "playing great." He responded by telling Paul that they have "more battles" ahead.
"We are friends off the court. At the end of the match, he told me that I was too good and playing great, and of course I told him that we have more battles, this won't be just the second match we are going to play. So, hopefully we play a lot more matches," Carlos Alcaraz said.
Carlos Alcaraz to meet Taylor Fritz in Miami Open 2023 QF
Carlos Alcaraz will square off against Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open. Fritz booked his spot in the last eight by beating Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4.
Alcaraz and Fritz have never met on the tour before, and the Spaniard was asked how he would prepare for the encounter in his post-match press conference. He said:
"Well, I watch a lot of matches from Taylor, so I know him a little bit. I think I couldn't practice with him. I have never played against him, so it's going to be really tough, you know, new opponent for me, new, let's say, style of game for me."
The World No. 1 also emphasized that he would focus on himself and enjoy his game since that is the key to his success.
"But I'm gonna be focused on me, just on me, to play my game, you know, to, as I said, have a lot of time to enjoy, to playing relax, to smile on court. That's the key of everything for me. So I'm gonna watch some videos, some matches from him, but obviously I'm gonna be focused on myself," Alcaraz added.
The winner of the match between Fritz and Alcaraz will face either 10th seed Jannik Sinner or Emil Ruusuvuori in the semifinals of the Miami Open.