Carlos Alcaraz has insisted to join Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as the greatest tennis players in history.
The Spaniard became the youngest men’s tennis player in ATP history to finish the 2022 US Open season at world No. 1.
“I want to beat Nadal and Djokovic, but I am not here to take any Grand Slams away from them or prevent either of them from being the best of all time. I am just trying to write my own history.” Alcaraz said.
The star from Villena also explained what he hopes his legacy will be in the future.
“At the end of my career, I would like to be remembered as a good person, a normal, natural and happy person,” Alcaraz said.
“Playing on instinct and joy are two tenants of my game. If I don’t play on instinct and if I don’t play with joy, my tennis is not the same. I think life is better that way. That’s the most important thing of all.” Alcaraz added.
As teenagers, only Nadal and Alcaraz have won three or more Masters 1000 titles. Alcaraz is also one of the select few athletes to win a Grand Slam and hold the top spot before turning 20.
The changing style, flexibility of movement and stubbornness help Alcaraz be evaluated with great potential to replace the seniors in “Big 3”.
“I have my own identity in the game. I like fun tennis. I’m after dynamism, creativity and good shots. I’m trying to do it in my own way.” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz came back strong by reaching the last three finals, winning in Buenos Aires and Indian Wells.
He hasn’t even lost a set in his quest to win his first Masters 1000 this season, having beaten Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-2 over the weekend.
The 19-year-old was previously injured and has not played well since winning the US Open in September 2022.
“When I pulled out of the Australian Open, I thought a lot about what I did wrong. I let myself loose a bit, and learned my lesson.” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz is next week’s Miami Open number one seed. Only seven have ever won the Indian Wells and Miami doubles in the same year.
He will lose its world number one spot if it doesn’t win the second Masters 1000 event of the season.
