Rafael Nadal's fighting spirit, Roger Federer's elegance and Novak Djokovic's elasticity: Carlos Alcaraz picks what he'd steal from the Big 3
Carlos Alcaraz has stated that if given the opportunity, he'd steal Nadal's fighting spirit and work ethic, Federer's elegance and variety, and Djokovic's "elasticity" and physique.
Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, two members of the Big 3 back-to-back in Madrid. He has also trained with Roger Federer in the past.
The Spaniard, who had a dream run at Madrid, first ousted Nadal in the quarterfinals before accounting for World No. 1 Djokovic in the semifinals.
The first ever player to defeat Nadal *and* Djokovic back-to-back in a tournament on clay. And now also the youngest to defeat Nadal *and* Djokovic in his career.
Carlos Alcaraz is here. Big time.
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The 19-year-old, who has taken the tennis world by storm this season, had his say on what he would like to steal from each of the three legends of the game during an interview with La Nacion.
"I think Rafa - would steal his fighting spirit, never giving up, never giving up a ball, sacrificing himself, working hard. If I have to train three hours, I train three hours at 200% intensity," Alcaraz said.
"To Federer, the elegance, the variety of strokes and tennis that he can display in a match. And to Djokovic the elasticity and the physique that he has," Alcaraz added.
When asked if he had any limits to what he wished to achieve, the World No. 6 stated that he wanted to continue climbing as far as he could go.
“I have no limit right now. I don't want to put a ceiling on myself. I want to continue climbing as far as I can go. If it can be to heaven, even better," Alcaraz stated.
"We stopped at a place to eat, a secluded place and there weren't many people, but they all knew me" - Carlos Alcaraz on life post Madrid Open win
Alcaraz revealed that he is finding ways to cope with his rapidly-increasing popularity, and that his ability to do things in public will become limited as time goes on.
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Nice welcome for Madrid Champion Alcaraz in his home town of El Palmar, Murcia. 🎊🥁🇪🇸💪
#Alcaraz
#MMOPEN https://t.co/nGglF7T0Mr
"I'm doing pretty well. I am clear that little by little it will be more difficult for me to expose myself, do things in public and others. But in the end, you have to have things clear. I am clear that when I want to expose myself. I will do it without any problem. Little by little it is costing me more, but for now I am doing well."
The youngster from El Palmar admitted that he was now being recognized even in secluded places, which implied that he was becoming increasingly popular.
"Well, when I was coming back from Madrid, we stopped at a place to eat, a secluded place and there weren't many people, but they all knew me. That's when you realize how well known you are becoming. That in a remote place, in a restaurant that is on the outskirts, almost all the people who are there recognize you makes you realize it."
Alcaraz missed the Italian Open due to an ankle injury sustained in Madrid. He will return at the French Open and will begin his campaign for his maiden Slam as the sixth seed.
Also Check Out: Roger Federer French Open Titles