Alcaraz: “I want to be like the Big Three, number one for a long time”

After winning his first Grand Slam in New York and qualifying for the quarterfinals in the Davis Cup, Carlos Alcaraz has been able to breathe, but in that way. He has had a brief break in terms of competitions, but not on his agenda, highly demanded by the big brands. Among them, Babolat. “I tried different rackets in my early years until, nine years ago, I started playing with Babolat and, from the beginning, I fell in love with him. Throughout my career until now, ”revealed the Murcian, this Wednesday, in a virtual interview with the French company. “I have had several days off with friends and family. Now, it’s time to go back to work, ”she continued, ratifying the calendar that lies ahead: the ATP 500 in Astana (from October 2 to 9), Basel (from October 24 to 30), the last Masters 1,000 of the year, Paris-Bercy (from October 31 to November 6), the ATP Finals of Turin (from November 13 to 20) and the final phase of the Davis Cup, in Malaga (from November 23 to 27).

A final binge, in which he did not mention the defense of his title at the NextGen ATP Finals in Milan, after realizing the dimension of his achievements. “The week after the US Open, I had the Davis. I couldn’t rest or realize what I did. Now, I have had a week to be aware of what has been achieved and to reduce the pressure, ”she acknowledged. In New York, he took to the maximum exponent a season that was already an honor roll, which began with his first ATP 500, in Rio de Janeiro, and continued, through Barcelona, ​​with his first Masters 1,000, in Miami and Madrid. He merit after merit until rising to the top of the world ranking, one that he has always pursued. “All children have dreams and mine was to be number one in the world, I had no doubt. I always had that dream. From the beginning”, revealed Charly, with his characteristic smile.

“I don’t feel the pressure like before”

An ambition cultivated from an early age, but inexhaustible. “I have to work to remain number one for a long time. I want to be like him Big Threebe there as long as possible”, he assured, with his natural conviction. “I can only say that I have to train and be ready to face this pressure and learn to handle it”, reflected the Murcian after losing to Tommy Paul in Canada, in the only moment of his season with certain doubts. The page has already turned. “I don’t feel the pressure like before. I am enjoying playing tennis, being on the court, working. It is what I am doing and what I will continue to do, despite being number one”, he analyzedbefore closing the conversation with heartfelt gratitude: “The only thing I can say is thank you all for the support, for believing in me all the time.”