The Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz spoke to the media during the preview of the US Open, where he will defend the title achieved last year. Compared to that tournament, Alcaraz assured that he feels like an “improved” and “more mature” player, although he also admitted that his fame has increased considerably since then, something that he is still assimilating and that already affects even his ability to walk normally. through the streets of New York.
“My life changed a lot, now it’s different due to the fact that I’m more, let’s say, famous. A lot of people start to know my name after the US Open last year.”commented Alcaraz during the ‘media day’ before the start of the last Grand Slam of the season, scheduled from August 28 to September 10 in New York.
“My personal life hasn’t changed at all. I’m the same boy, a normal boy. I feel more mature on the track, I think I’m a better player than a year ago,” he added.
The disparate paths of Alcaraz and Djokovic towards the final of the US Open
The twenty-year-old tennis player from Murcia, winner of six tournaments this year, including Wimbledon, returns to Flushing Meadows as the world number one and a leading figure on the world tennis stage.
His personality and style of play have made him an idol for millions of fans, who also recognize him when he walks the streets of New York.
“Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes you want to feel like a normal guy, walk normally. Here in New York there are many Spaniards, South Americans too. It’s hard to walk normally sometimes. Sometimes I wish they didn’t recognize me, but that’s impossible. I have to enjoy this part too, but sometimes it’s hard.”Alcaraz confessed.
The young tennis player arrives in New York after starring in an epic final at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 against Serbian Novak Djokovic, who managed to come back and be crowned champion after a battle that lasted three hours and 49 minutes.
Djokovic’s retirement is approaching and the Serbian knows itThe fact that confirms that Alcaraz is better than Djokovic at his age
“Djokovic is one of the best ever in our sport, without a doubt. Everything he does is incredible. (I admire) his mental strength. He never gives up. At the toughest moment, it seems that he collapses and is going to lose, but he always gives himself an opportunity to continue playing and to win,” said Alcaraz.
Alcaraz will also have the support of his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, during his participation in New York. Ferrero was absent three weeks ago in Toronto due to family matters, but has now returned to join Alcaraz in Cincinnati.
“For me it’s always good to have Juan Carlos with me. I know he can’t travel all year. He travels with me 90% of the time, but sometimes he has to focus on his family too,” Alcaraz said.
“I have a very good coach when he’s not around, who is Toni (Cascales). He was Juan Carlos’s coach when he was a player. He became number one in the world, he’s very kind,” he concluded.
2023-08-26 06:43:07
#Alcaraz #weight #fame #Open
