Carlos Alcaraz fires recent warning to Federer, Nadal and Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz is vying to emulate the legacy of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic after successful his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. The world No 1 grew to become the primary individual in 10 years to defeat Djokovic on Centre Court as he grew to become the brand new prince of SW19 on Sunday. And he’s already aiming even larger.
Alcaraz got here by way of an exciting five-set epic in his first Wimbledon closing to stun Djokovic and be topped the champion. Just 5 weeks after nerves noticed him begin cramping towards the Serb through the French Open semi-final, the 20-year-old bounced again to finish one of many hardest duties in tennis – defeating the 23-time Major champion on Centre Court.
The Spaniard has lengthy been tipped for giant issues and already reached the head of the game as a young person final September, successful his first Slam title on the US Open and changing into the youngest world No 1 in ATP historical past. Now holding two Majors lower than three months after turning 20, Alcaraz is pondering even larger and desires to be remembered as one of many biggest.
“I believe that the explanation lies in the fact that, in the end, we are very clear about our objective,” Alcaraz advised El Pais after he was requested how he rapidly grew to become one of many largest stars in tennis. With the Australian Open and French Open now on his radar, the 20-year-old defined precisely what that goal was.
He added: “We are gradually making our dreams come true: to be No 1, to be a Grand Slam champion, to win Wimbledon… and I want to win Roland Garros and Australia as well, but the very long-term goal is to be considered one of the best in history, as great legends like Djokovic, Rafa, and Federer have achieved.”
Alcaraz knew the dream was a giant one however he backed himself to match the legacy of the Big Three. “I have always said it, it may be that this goal is too big, too ambitious or that they think I am arrogant, but in the end in this life you have to think and dream big, and you have to go for it,” he continued.
“All this is not too big for me because I know and I am very clear about what I want to achieve in the future, so I must continue on this path.” Alcaraz additionally admitted he’s conscious of simply how good a participant he’s – one thing that may assist him develop into one of many biggest.
“We have to look at reality and be honest. I do know how good a player I am, and I don’t think that’s arrogance, but simply self-confidence,” he defined. “I know how difficult it is for opponents to beat me and to play at a very high level for so long against me in order to beat me, and I think that is a virtue I have. It’s about self-confidence and, yes, I know I’m a good player…”