"Doesn't matter who's in front of me" - Carlos Alcaraz not afraid of facing the best, reveals what inspires him about Federer, Nadal and Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz has provided a sneak peek of his mentality, saying that he has always wanted to beat the best players in the game like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The 19-year-old is the youngest player to become the ATP World No. 1 and is the youngest to end a year atop the rankings, which he did last year. At the US Open, Alcaraz became the first teenager to win the men's singles title in nearly three decades, which catapulted him to the top of the pile.
Earlier in the season, he became the first player to beat Nadal and Djokovic - two of the best players in the sport's history - in the same claycourt tournament en route to the Madrid Masters title.
INCREDIBLE.
Carlos Alcaraz beats #1 Novak Djokovic in an epic 3h36 battle, 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5) to reach the final in Madrid.
He is the first EVER player to beat Nadal and Djokovic in the same clay court tournament.
He is 19 years and two days old.
Ridiculous. https://t.co/OlgDEYQcYE
Ahead of his return to action at the Argentina Open after a four-month layoff, Alcaraz said that, like the Big 3, he wants to keep improving in all aspects and not stagnate.
"The best in history, like Rafa, Roger and Novak, have never stagnated and have been improving over time. I hope to take those small leaps and improve my tennis, physically and mentally," he said, as per Marca.
He added that his courage and ambition to face off with the best has stood him in good stead:
"The courage with which I play. I'm not afraid, it doesn't matter who's in front of me. That has been basic to achieve what I've already achieved. I've always taken it naturally to face the best. That ambition has made me be who I am right now," he added.
Alcaraz is set to make his season debut next week at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.
"I take fame as something natural" - Carlos Alcaraz
Since starting 2022 outside the top 30, Carlos Alcaraz has scripted the biggest jump to ATP World No. 1.
Nevertheless, the teenager hasn't let his success and newfound fame go to his head. Admitting the increased spotlight on him, Alcaraz is thankful for the close group of people that have helped him during this journey.
"I don't want to move from home. I take fame as something natural. I lead a normal life although it is true that I am a little more recognized than before. I am very close to people and I like it because I see how they encourage me and what is behind from me," The Spaniard said.
Carlos Alcaraz, 19, wins US Open to become youngest world No. 1 in men's tennis history espn.com/tennis/story/_…
Carlos Alcaraz stated that members of his professional team are like family to him.
"Albert Molina, who is my agent, Juanjo, my physio, and Toni (Cascales) are also part of my family, and I have a great time with them. You spend two or three hours on the track and the rest of the time you have to do things that make you feel good," he added.
The 19-year-old closed out a successful 2022 season with a 57-13 record and a joint tour-leading five titles.