Carlos Alcaraz on the pressure of knocking Novak Djokovic off his perch

Carlos Alcaraz has been hailed as the next king of the men’s game, but he has insisted that is not his focus right now.

Novak Djokovic remains the man to beat after he claimed three of the four Grand Slam titles up for grabs in 2023, with Alcaraz denying the Serbian a calendar Grand Slam by beating him in the Wimbledon final.

At the age of 36, Djokovic’s reign as the dominant force in men’s tennis has to come to an end soon, with Alcaraz seemingly perfectly placed to take over at the top.

Yet he insists he does not see himself as the saviour of tennis as the golden era of the men’s game that also features all-time greats Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic edges toward a conclusion.

“I don’t feel that pressure,” he said when asked whether he will succeed Djokovic as the new face of men’s tennis.

“For me is great to be surrounded by legends and hear good words from them. But I try not to take it as important as it is. It’s just happy to hear that and try to simulate it on the court, you know, my joy.

“It’s something great for me, but I try not to listen to it too much.”

Alcaraz went on to suggest he is eager to chase down Djokovic in the race to claim the year-end world No 1 crown, as he eyes up a chance to gain ground on his rival ahead of the end-of-season ATP Finals.

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“We have really beautiful battle for the No. 1 spot after the great performance Djokovic had in the American season, let’s say. He’s the No. 1 right now,” added Alcaraz.

“I’m coming here to China with extra motivation to try to recover it in the race, of course, in the ranking. As I said, it’s something that I have in my mind every time I practice, in every tournament.

“Is not obligatory for me to recover that, but of course you have to put the goals in the year. So for me No 1 spot is one of the main goals for me.

“In these great tournaments, I’m looking to do great to be able to be close or recover that number.

“Then next year I’m looking to play the four Grand Slams. I hope to not miss any of them. I will try to do the same things that I’m doing this year.

“I could be more than happy if I won the same tournaments that I won so far of the results that I’m doing this year. That’s my goal for next year. That’s obvious.

“Right now I’m really happy with the level I’m playing, with the result I received so far. The year is not over. There are few tournaments ahead. So hopefully to end that year as good as it started.”

Djokovic has opted to skip the tournaments in China and is spending his weekend cheering on the European team at the Ryder Cup in Italy.