Alcaraz feeling ‘mentally fresh’ ahead of Shanghai return

Carlos Alcaraz expressed feeling mentally refreshed ahead of the Shanghai Masters tournament on Thursday, following his victory at the Japan Open earlier in the week. The world number three detailed that his body was still adapting to the physically demanding matches since his recovery from a wrist injury that kept him sidelined from April to the US Open in August.

Alcaraz shared his positive outlook during a press conference in Shanghai, stating, "I'm feeling very good. Physically I'm well, I'm feeling mentally fresh." He further added, "I'm training very well, so we'll see."

The Spanish tennis star has never advanced past the quarter-finals in Shanghai, missing last year's event due to fitness concerns. Despite previously criticizing the intense autumn Asian swing, Alcaraz reassured that he is prepared to tackle the challenge. His journey to victory could start against either Juan Manuel Cerundolo from Argentina or Nicolas Mejia of Colombia in the second round.

The tournament's path for Alcaraz has also been influenced by the withdrawal of current world number one Jannik Sinner due to a knee injury. Other notable contenders in the draw include Alexander Zverev, the current world number two, and Serbian veteran Novak Djokovic, who recently claimed his 102nd career title in Beijing.