C. ALCARAZ/L. Djere
7-6, 6-2
Q. Straight-sets win against a player that you've beaten twice before. Didn't look easy tonight, especially in the end of the first set. Tell me about the work you had to do at the end of the first set.
CARLOS ALCARAZ: It was a really tough beginning, honestly. I had to find the good rhythm, to find the good path on the match. He played really solidly in the first set.
I mean, I didn't find let's say the way to make that much of him. That was hard at the beginning. Serving for the first set, I just thought that I had to stay there mentally strong, waiting for my chances. I was playing great. I was feeling great, moving, hitting the ball. It was just a few mistake that I made. Just happy that at the end I get the first set.
Then in the second set, I was trying to be better. I think he made a few mistakes that I tried to took it, to make the most of it. I think it was really, really helpful.
Q. How important was it to get through in just the two sets from your body? Have you got a cold, as well? Is that something you're battling with this week in your comeback from injury?
CARLOS ALCARAZ: Yeah, I was trying to come back from the injury as better as I can. Then I got cold. Once you're on the court, I just try not to think about those things, just to keep going. Sometimes difficult.
But it's great having matches in straight sets. I think it's great to save energy for the next matches. I think in a Masters 1000 we have a day off between matches at the beginning. But I think is great to save energy 'cause after every match is getting tougher and tougher.
I just really, really happy to get in straight sets and hopefully be better in the next round.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports