Alcaraz: “I see number one close, but at the same time very far”

Carlos Alcaraz was an emotional man but with his feet on the ground, or rather on the cement of Flushing Meadows, after getting into his first Grand Slam final at the United States Open: «What he experienced is incredible. In the semifinals you have to give everything, fight until the last ball, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been fighting for five hours or six, “said the Murcian tennis player, after the exhausting battle with Frances Tiafoe of four hours and eighteen minutes. The Spanish tennis player, who has reached the final after playing five sets in the round of 16, quarters and semifinals, acknowledged that “there have been three very long, very demanding games, of great physical and mental wear.”

This Sunday he has the possibility of winning his first Grand Slam at the same time and placing himself at the top of the ATP ranking, as number one in the world. «It is incredible to be able to fight for big things, to be in a Grand Slam final. I see number one close but at the same time it is very far away. He (Ruud) played the final at Roland Garros, this is my first time… I’m going to give it my all, I’m going to have to temper the nerves of being in a final, but I’m very happy, I’m going to enjoy the moment and see what It happens, “acknowledged the Murcian.

Carlos Alcaraz knows that he is facing a historic moment and that the final will be difficult not only because of the rival. «I will have to control my nerves in my first Grand Slam final, but of course I am very happy and I will enjoy every moment. We’ll see what happens”. The tennis player from El Palmar even joked about his ability to handle himself in the language of Shakespeare, although he focused on the fans of his country.

“My English is improving, but what about all the Spaniards who follow me here. There are many people here from Spain, many people who come from all over the world to encourage me and be with me at this very special moment for me. Three matches to five sets are very tiring, but I have strength thanks to you who encourage me every point and every ball. This final is as much for my family, for my team and for me as for all of you. Thank you very much”. It ended before a central court given to Murcia.