"Everyone remembers the Wimbledon 2008 final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, I wish to play these kinds of matches" - Carlos Alcaraz
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz is the latest show-stopper in the tennis world. He has risen to new heights of popularity by winning four titles in the first half of the season - the Rio Open, the Barcelona Open, the Miami Masters and the Madrid Masters.
In May, the 19-year-old shocked the entire world when he beat Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev in consecutive matches to lift the trophy in Madrid. He was instantly fancied as one of the favourites to win the French Open, but he made a quarterfinal exit in Paris after losing 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(7) to Zverev.
Speaking at an event where he was named the brand ambassador of ElPozo, a sausage company in Spain, Alcaraz expressed hope of fulfilling his dream of winning his first Major at Wimbledon.
"Of course I see it as a possibility. In the end, it is the dream that I am looking and working for every day," Alcaraz said.
The 2008 Wimbledon final is considered by many to be the greatest match in the history of the sport. In an epic five-setter, the 22-year-old Nadal stopped the then World No. 1 Roger Federer from winning the title for a sixth consecutive time.
Recalling the historic match, Alcaraz expressed his desire to be a part of encounters like those.
"Everyone remembers the 2008 final between Nadal and Federer," Alcaraz said. "It is considered one of the best matches in history and it was spectacular. Rafa has won historic matches several times at Wimbledon, and I say to myself, 'I wish I could be there playing these kinds of matches'."
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Carlos Alcaraz begins preparations for Wimbledon 2022
A few days ago, Carlos Alcaraz put out a tweet informing fans of his withdrawal from the Queen's Club Championships due to discomfort in his elbow. The short turnaround between the French Open and Wimbledon has always been tricky for players, particularly those who have had an intense claycourt season and need some rest.
Alcaraz has since posted a couple of videos where he can be seen working hard on his fitness in preparation for the grass-court Major.
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💥🌪😵 https://t.co/BJL1wIBTdU
This will be the Spaniard's second Wimbledon. Last year he opened his campaign by beating Japan's Yasutaka Uchiyama in five sets, but went down in straight sets to Russia's Daniil Medvedev in the second round.