The National Times - Alcaraz back in Paris with unfinished business at Bercy

The Spanish world number two has never managed to progress further than the quarter-finals at this event, falling at the first hurdle last year against Russian Roman Safiullin.

One of the major obstacles to the title has been removed with seven-time winner Novak Djokovic deciding not to take part.

"My aim is to close the circle with a kind of triple (in Paris), or at least get a good result," Alcaraz said on Monday.

"I said last year, I had to understand that the season is still going after September.

"And I think I did prepare really well this year," added Alcaraz, who won this month's China Open and made it to the semi-finals in the Shanghai Masters.

"The calendar is super tight, super demanding, but coming to this year, I think I'm feeling different.

"I have been doing great work lately. So I think I'm ready to do good results or at least go farther than last year, that I think is not really difficult!"

Alcaraz takes to the indoor court at Bercy Arena, which hosted the gymnastics and basketball at the Olympics, against either Chile's Nicolas Jarry or Italian Lorenzo Sonego.

"I'm eager to get started," said Alcaraz, who followed up his Roland Garros triumph with the title at Wimbledon.

"I feel good, both physically and mentally, and happy with my game."

P.Jones--TNT