Watch: Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe show off their skills in spirited practice session ahead of Indian Wells 2023
Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe delighted spectators with an energetic practice session as they gear up for their opening matches at the Indian Wells Masters.
Following an injury layoff, Alcaraz returned to the ATP tour at the Argentina Open in February. The Spaniard immediately got back to winning ways as he defeated Cameron Norrie in the final in Buenos Aires to clinch his seventh ATP title. The pair reunited at the Rio Open final the following week with the Brit coming out on top this time around. Alcaraz sustained an injury to his right leg during the match, forcing him to withdraw from the Mexican Open in Acapulco.
Fortunately, the Spaniard looked to be back to his best as he traded hits with Frances Tiafoe, who is coming off a quarterfinal run at the Mexican Open. The pair engaged in an energetic practice session in front of a packed crowd. The session was rife with drop shots and forehand winners and the pair could be seen engaging in friendly conversation before retaking the court.
Practice in Paradise 🌴
@carlosalcaraz x @FTiafoe https://t.co/8xKHcvpbbf
Alcaraz shared some images of the pair enjoying each other's company during practice on his social media.
Carlos Alcaraz has a chance to regain the World No. 1 ranking at Indian Wells 2023
Carlos Alcaraz made history as the youngest year-end World No. 1 in 2022. He held the World No. 1 ranking for 20 weeks before ceding it to Novak Djokovic following the Serb's victory at the 2023 Australian Open.
The Spaniard now has a chance to regain the World No. 1 ranking at the Indian Wells Masters. However, the task will not be easy as he will have to win the tournament outright to recoup the top spot. Additionally, if he does win the Indian Wells Masters, he will have to defend his title at the Miami Open to maintain the World No. 1 ranking.
Following his title victory at the Argentina Open, Alcaraz revealed that his goals for the 2023 season were to win more Grand Slam titles and regain the World No. 1 ranking.
"I have to try to win more Grand Slam titles, reclaim the No. 1 position," Carlos Alcaraz said. "That's what I am hoping for this year. It is not easy to stop after an entire match and have to start it again the next day. I feel I am doing well after four months injured.
Following a bye in the first round, Carlos Alcaraz will take on the winner of the match between Brandon Holt and Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters.