Carlos Alcaraz is only 22 years old with six Grand Slam titles to his name already, and looks set to dominate men’s tennis for many seasons to come, alongside his Wimbledon conqueror, Jannik Sinner.
With just an Australian Open title separating the Spaniard and a Career Grand Slam, Alcaraz has managed to pick up a major on all surfaces in the space of three years.
He has clinched two Wimbledon championships, a pair of Roland Garros crowns, and two US Open titles too.
Alcaraz’s triumph at Flushing Meadows in 2022 marked the beginning of a new era, but prior to beating Casper Ruud in the final that year, the then-19-year-old had doubted his ability on the biggest stages.
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Carlos Alcaraz pinpointed the moment he knew he could win a major
After winning the US Open title, Alcaraz was asked: “You’ve talked in recent days about dreaming of these things since you were a kid. When did you know you could do these things, win a Grand Slam, reach No. 1?”
He replied: “Honestly, since I won Miami. Since I won Miami, I thought I was able to have a Grand Slam in my hands.
“But before Miami, I was thinking that I have to still grow up. I thought that I’m able to do a good results in a Grand Slam, but not a champion.
| Round | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Final | Casper Ruud |
| Semi-Final | Hubert Hurkacz |
| Quarter-Final | Miomir Kecmanovic |
| Fourth Round | Stefanos Tsitsipas |
| Third Round | Marin Cilic |
| Second Round | Marton Fucsovics |
| First Round | Bye |
“But I would say after Miami, I won great matches in a row. I would say after that I thought that I’m able to win a Grand Slam.
“Right now, I’m enjoying the moment. I’m enjoying having the trophy in my hands. But, of course, I’m hungry for more.
“I want to be in the top for many, many weeks. Hope many years. I’m going to work hard again after this week, these amazing two weeks. I’m going to fight to have more of this.”
Carlos Alcaraz said he ‘lost joy’ before the 2022 US Open
Alcaraz said of the build-up to the 2022 US Open: “In Montreal and in Cincinnati, I lost the joy a little bit.
“As you said, I felt the pressure. I couldn’t smile on court, which I’m doing in every match, every tournament.
“I came here just to enjoy, you know? To smile on court, to enjoy playing tennis. I love playing tennis, of course. I would say if I smile, if I have fun out there, I’ll see my best level, my best tennis.
“I would say, well, thanks to my team, thanks to Juan Carlos [Ferrero], my family, everyone who supported me in those moments to come here to enjoy again. So I’m going to say thank you to all of them.”
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