Alcaraz expects to be the hunted in 2023 instead of the hunter: "Everyone will want to beat me"

Carlos Alcaraz expects quite a tough season in 2023 as he thinks most players will be gunning to take him down after his success this year.

The Spaniard finished the year as number one after playing a surprisingly good season overall winning a grand slam in the process as well as a few ATP 1000 Masters. It certainly will make things harder for him because there will be more pressure than before. Speaking to the media, he admitted that he had time to gather his thoughts on everything that happened in the previous year:

“I’ve had time to realise what I did, to look back on this amazing year and I still can’t believe it. A lot of things to enjoy from this year and now I need to try to do the same or better next season.”

He added:

“Next season is going to be different for me. I’m not going to be one of the guys who is climbing up, I’m there, so this season will be a different mentality. I have to be prepared to stay strong the whole year because I’ll be going to lots of tournaments as the favourite. Everyone wants to beat me so I have to be prepared for that.”

He won't be participating in any exhibition events making his start at the Australian Open which is neither common nor unusual in itself. He was dealing with an injury to finish the year so it's probably to get ready properly.