It might seem odd to say Carlos Alcaraz has returned. He never really went anywhere. The 20-year-old has firmly been number two in the world for some time now — not quite ready to overtake Novak Djokovic again for the top slot, and somewhat comfortably ahead of number three. These days, that’s Jannik Sinner.

Still, until he successfully defended his title in convincing fashion at Indian Wells this year, things weren’t quite right with the young Spaniard. He hadn’t won a title since Wimbledon last year — an eternity for somebody who had gotten used to so much winning so early in his career — and bewildering early-round losses had also begun to creep in. 

Perhaps more than that, Alcaraz wasn’t the same on the court. He wasn’t exactly unhappy, but he seemed heavier. The signature smiles we had become accustomed to him flashing after incredible points were noticeably fewer. By the time he was done with his less-than-stellar showing on the clay courts of Buenos Aires and Rio in February, his self-belief had taken a significant hit.  

“It’s been a difficult few months for me, I lost a bit of confidence. Not after the Australian Open, but during the South American trip,” he said at the start of Indian Wells. Still, he noted that he planned on defending his title at the BNP Paribas Open — and that he was starting to feel like his old self once again.

At the end of the two weeks in the California desert, Alcaraz had dropped just two sets and taken out three top ten players, including Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev — the two most dominant players on the tour this year. Each round, more smiles returned and so did a lightness. So did the jaw-dropping shotmaking and the roars from the crowd in complete amazement. 

After winning the title, Alcaraz took stock of the moment — and where he was just days earlier. “It means a lot to me, lifting this trophy, winning this tournament, because I overcome a lot of problems in my head, a lot of problems physically. It was so special for that,” he said, offering an honest and rare glimpse into a champion’s mind.  

Even with that level of recognition, the moment signified something bigger had happened: “That’s why I’m really, really happy to lift this trophy, because I found myself at this tournament, and I felt really, really good.” 

It felt good to us too, Carlos. It’s nice to have you back.