Carlos Alcaraz: ‘I want to sit at the same table as the big three.’ Spaniard charts path to greatness ahead of Wimbledon

Wimbledon, London
CNN
 — 

For Carlos Alcaraz, age is only a quantity.

The Spanish tennis prodigy isn’t any stranger when it comes defying logic, expectations and time to rewrite the historical past books.

The youngest year-end No. 1 within the historical past of males’s tennis at simply 19. The youngest male participant to win three grand slams on three completely different surfaces – the 2022 US Open, Wimbledon in 2023 and the French Open in 2024 – at 21.

Achievements, by the way, already inked on his pores and skin.

As he prepares to defend his Wimbledon title, the boy born to be world No. 1 is intent on fulfilling grander ambitions.

“I need to be probably the greatest in historical past. I’m dreaming that massive,” Alcaraz instructed CNN Sport at a Babolat occasion, the official associate and tools provider of Wimbledon, previous to the event.

“I need to sit [at] the identical desk because the ‘Massive Three’ [Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer], legends of our sports activities.”

Given the speed at which Alcaraz is racking up grand slam titles, you’d be daring to wager towards him becoming a member of the sport’s high desk.

However has he been stunned at how shortly he’s risen by way of the tennis ranks?

“Typically,” he smiles. “Actually, [though], I don’t assume an excessive amount of about it. I simply sort of stay within the second, stay within the current.

“If I look again, [of course] I’ve achieved nice issues up to now, nevertheless it’s one thing that I don’t need to take into consideration and I need to maintain going.”

Alcaraz’s workforce, led by former world No. 1 and 2003 French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero, have instilled a mentality that emphasizes the significance of perseverance and onerous work – “a tradition of effort” – as his physiotherapist Juanjo Moreno instructed CNN in 2022.

Along with the tradition of excellence constructed round him, the Spanish star has additionally been capable of take inspiration from his compatriots – a protracted line of Spanish women and men who’ve tasted grand slam success.

Take, for instance, the French Open.

Nadal leads the best way with a record-breaking 14 titles on the event, whereas the aforementioned Ferrero, Albert Costa, Carlos Moyá, Sergi Bruguera and Garbiñe Muguruza have all been champions since 1993.

Alcaraz is now spearheading a brand new technology of Spanish expertise set on constructing on the legacy of his predecessors.

What, although, does he put this success all the way down to?

“In Spain, now we have a whole lot of gamers to apply, a whole lot of locations, wonderful gamers. We eat effectively, the climate,” he laughs.

“I’m actually pleased with the nation that I’m [from] and I believe that’s one thing tremendous nice for Spain, for Spanish sport and, clearly, for myself.”

Alcaraz begins the protection of his Wimbledon crown on Monday towards Estonia’s Mark Lajal.

Apart from trying to win back-to-back titles on the grass courts of SW19, the 21-year-old additionally has an opportunity to do what solely 5 male gamers within the Open Period have accomplished: profitable the French Open and Wimbledon in the identical season.

“Clearly, it’s much more particular coming [back] as a defending champion,” he says.

“I’m attempting not to consider the strain that I’ve to defend the factors or [that I] need to go far.

“I simply need to be higher day-after-day, attempting to play my finest in each match and provides 100%.

“I believe that the distinction [with] final yr is I’m a little bit bit extra mature and I understand how to play on grass. I’ve extra experiences about enjoying on this floor.”

Alcaraz goes into the event because the joint favourite, alongside present world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, to raise the boys’s title. The duo are scheduled to satisfy in a possible blockbuster semifinal matchup.

And may the celebrities align, we might have a repeat of final yr’s epic five-set thriller between Alcaraz and Djokovic.

The 37-year-old Serb arrives at Wimbledon having not too long ago undergone knee surgical procedure after tearing the meniscus in his proper knee throughout his fourth-round match towards Francisco Cerúndolo ultimately month’s French Open.

Had been Djokovic to equal Roger Federer’s file of eight Wimbledon titles, he would turn out to be the oldest champion of the fashionable period.

Alcaraz, although, is absolutely centered on doing what he must do.

“For me, it doesn’t matter towards who I’m going to play,” he explains. “After all, all people needs to look at Jannik [Sinner] towards me within the semifinal or Jannik or me enjoying a last towards Novak.

“I believe that everyone is ready for that second, nevertheless it’s a very lengthy course of, actually long term. Let’s see if I’m going to be on this place.”

Sunday, July 14 might mark a momentous day within the Spanish sporting calendar.

Not solely might we see Alcaraz representing his nation in a second consecutive Wimbledon males’s singles last, however his countrymen may be ready to vie for the Euro 2024 title within the last in Berlin.

It could high off what’s been an awfully profitable month and a half in each sporting circles for the Spaniard.

Alcaraz’s soccer summer time received off to the right begin together with his membership Actual Madrid profitable a record-extending fifteenth European cup with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

That was adopted a little bit over per week later with a maiden French Open title on the clay courts of Paris and affirmation quickly after that the younger star will be a part of forces with Nadal in a dream doubles partnership at this month’s Paris Olympic Video games.

“It has been a very good month for me,” he smiles.

“As a Actual Madrid fan, I used to be watching in Paris [during the French Open]. That run at Roland Garros was unbelievable for me. Actually blissful for me. A dream come true.

“I’m actually, actually pleased with all the pieces that I’m residing proper now.

“[So] it may very well be superior. Similar day, me enjoying in a last in Wimbledon, Spain enjoying a Euros last. It may very well be an awesome second for Spain, for our nation.

“I belief within the Spanish nationwide workforce and I consider [in] myself as effectively.”