Alcaraz, who had a first-round bye, will play the Italian world number 40 Matteo Arnaldi at Indian Wells on Friday.

Victory over Daniil Medvedev in last year's final was one of six titles he won in the first seven months of the year.

And, even though Alcaraz reached a final, three semi-finals and one other quarter-final in the closing months of 2023, he was not able to lift another trophy.

"After Wimbledon I did a pretty good American swing - final in Cincinnati, semi-finals in US Open - that's good results, honestly," he said.

"But after that I was struggling a little with my tennis, my joy. It doesn't stress me so much not having titles or finals."

This year began with a quarter-final defeat to Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open and he then rolled an ankle in the second point of his first match in Rio last month.

Alcaraz decided to retire after just two games and so his first concern in Indian Wells will be to prove to himself he is in the shape required to return to the winners' circle.