Alcaraz focused on steady improvement over chasing top ranking

World number three Carlos Alcaraz has stated that regaining the top position in the rankings is not his primary focus in the coming months, as the Spaniard aims to alleviate any extra pressure while striving to find his optimal form.

On Wednesday, Alcaraz delivered a commanding performance against Grigor Dimitrov, winning 6-1, 6-1, to advance to the quarter-finals of Indian Wells. The 21-year-old is pursuing a third consecutive title, a feat previously accomplished by Roger Federer (2004-06) and Novak Djokovic (2014-16).

Although Alcaraz cannot surpass the current top-ranked player Jannik Sinner or second-ranked Alexander Zverev by winning the tournament this week, his success could position him favorably for the upcoming European clay-court season, where he will defend his title at the French Open.

"I'm not thinking much about recovering the number one in two or three months. That could make me feel extra pressure," Alcaraz, who has previously occupied the number one position for 36 weeks, shared with reporters.

In the upcoming weeks, Alcaraz is expected to be a leading contender in various tournaments, especially with Italian player Sinner serving a doping suspension until May 4. However, the Spaniard emphasized that he will approach each day as it comes.

"If I'm doing the right things, if I'm focused on every day and the things I have to improve, the result is going to be there and then the number one is going to come after," he added.

"Right now, I'm focused on this tournament, Indian Wells, and I want to still play good tennis. Hopefully make the final or lift the trophy. That's my goal here."

Up next for the four-time Grand Slam champion is Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.

"He's playing great. I don't know which surface is his favourite, clay or hardcourt. He plays really well on both. Even grass, too," Alcaraz said.

"That means he's a complete player. He can play really good tennis on every surface ... I'll have to be really focused on my tennis. I'll try to play aggressively with passion.

"It's going to be a difficult one."