Carlos Alcaraz of the Spaniard, at the age of 18 and with some success already being bagged, is still determined to take things in stride.
While preparing for his debut at the Monte Carlo Open in 2022, Alcaraz revealed, “Sometimes it’s difficult, but I’m trying to make it easier. Doing everything for the first time, I try my best, I also try to overcome the tension of doing the first thing.”
“Of course I will always be the same person. I will never change. I’m confident when I take selfies, sign autographs and all. I will always be the same person.”
The Spaniard certainly didn’t overdo it at the Miami Open when he won the Masters 1000 title for the first time in his career after beating Norwegian Casper Ruud in straight sets in the final to become the youngest champion in the tournament’s history.
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The pace of tournament life means there is little precious time between success in Miami and the start of preparations for the clay-court season in Europe, but the 18-year-old can still return to Spain to celebrate the win with those closest to him.
“It was really special for me. I’ve had time to celebrate with my family and friends at home for a few days, but now it’s time to focus on the clay courts and the first Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo,” added Carlos Alcaraz.
Despite having made a number of milestones in his fledgling career, it’s easy to forget that the Spaniard is still a new face at the ATP tournament. He is still fascinated by things off the pitch when he competes in the biggest tournaments and the amazing facilities of the Monte Carlo Country Club are no exception.
“Pretty awesome, this place. Playing here is simply amazing. Yesterday was my first training session and before that I took photos of the landscape, the sea and yes, it was pretty cool,” Alcaraz said.
With the draw for the Monte Carlo Open match already determined, the Spaniard has the chance to meet world number 1 Novak Djokovic for the first time in the quarter-finals. But he will not deviate from the step-by-step approach that has seen him win three titles and take him to 11th in the world.
“I don’t want to rush things, I’m just focus on the first match,” said Alcaraz, who will face American youngster Sebastian Korda in the second round of the Monte Carlo Open.
“Of course it will be amazing to play against Novak. Playing against a world number 1 would be awesome for me but I hope I do well in the first matches and hope to meet him in the quarter-finals.”
