“I control my emotions better”: Carlos Alcaraz credits mindset for perfect 12–0 start to 2026

Carlos Alcaraz will arrive at Indian Wells with momentum and confidence after opening the 2026 season with a perfect 12–0 record. The Spaniard, currently No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, has carried over the form that defined his previous seasons, building an early winning streak that includes major milestones and another ATP title.

The 22-year-old completed his career Grand Slam earlier this season by winning the Australian Open, adding Melbourne to a résumé that already included titles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. Shortly after, he maintained his form in the Middle East, claiming the title at the ATP 500 event in Doha.

With those results, Alcaraz enters Indian Wells as one of the clear favourites for the season’s first ATP Masters 1000 event. The tournament has been particularly successful for him in recent years, and he arrives in California with confidence after a strong start to the year.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Spaniard said his recent performances have been driven not only by his tennis level but by improved emotional control during matches. “I think on the court I control my emotions even better,” he said during his press conference. “I would say that was the key of the good level of tennis that I have been playing lately. Because on the court, I just control myself, and in a calm place I can find the solutions.”

Alcaraz emphasised that managing emotions has become one of the most important elements of his game. While the Spaniard has long been known for his explosive athleticism and attacking style, he believes that maintaining composure has helped him navigate difficult moments during matches.

According to Alcaraz, the ability to stay calm allows him to adjust tactically rather than react impulsively when a match becomes complicated. That approach, he said, has helped him maintain focus and recover quickly from poor patches during recent matches. “When I was getting mad or when I was playing bad or whatever, I just found the right way again, because I was calm. I was controlling myself and controlling my emotions and I was maintaining my good focus. I would say I was doing that even better than before.”

This shift in mindset has been reflected in his results. The Spaniard’s 12-match winning streak represents his best start to a season so far and places him in a strong position as the ATP Tour enters the Masters 1000 stretch of the calendar.

Alcaraz acknowledged the positive start while remaining cautious about expectations for the weeks ahead. “I’m just really proud about my start of the year. Hopefully the winning streak continues or I will try that, but I’m just happy to see myself playing great tennis.”

For the first time in his career, Alcaraz arrives at Indian Wells undefeated in the current season. The tournament represents the first Masters 1000 event of the year and often serves as an early indicator of the hierarchy on the ATP Tour.

As the top seed, Alcaraz will open his campaign against either former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov or rising French left-hander Terence Atmane. The Spaniard has already enjoyed success at the event in previous editions and now aims to extend his strong record in the California desert.

While the early-season results have strengthened his confidence, Alcaraz said his focus remains on preparation and maintaining the same mindset that guided his strong start to the year. “It’s been going really great, to be honest. Feeling a little bit different compared to other years, but I have had a couple good practices. I am back and ready, so it’s been good and I’m excited to begin.”