Carlos Alcaraz on his big goal: ‘I am clear about my dream, which is to be No 1 in the world’

Tennis players often shy away from declaring their goals and dreams publicly, but Carlos Alcaraz is part of a rare breed as he has made it clear that becoming world No 1 is his top priority while he also insists he is ready to win a Grand Slam.
Alcaraz is one of the hottest properties in the world of tennis as he has won four ATP Tour titles this year and has climbed to a career-high of No 6 in the rankings.
The teenager has won two ATP Masters titles – the Miami Open, which was his maiden Masters 1000 crown, and the Madrid Open – while he also lifted trophies at the Rio Open and Barcelona Open.
Although he remains grounded, the teenager is pretty clear about his ambitions.
Carlos Alcaraz gives Next Gen brigade a look into the future and shows there is life after the Big Three
Asked by Argentina’s La Nacion how he keeps his feet on the ground, he replied: “I have to thank my family and my team, who are always telling me what I have to do, what is good for me and what is not so good.
“In the end, I want my whims, I want my things and many times they are not ideal right now. So that’s when my team and my family come in to tell me: ‘Wait a bit, don’t be in such a hurry, go little by little’, and so on.
“I am also a guy who is quite clear about things. I am clear about my goal, I am clear about my dream, which is to be No 1 in the world and no matter how many tournaments come, no matter how many things come right now, I still haven’t managed to be No 1. It helps me to be with my feet on the soil to continue trying to fulfill my dreams.”
The 19-year-old has tasted only three defeats this year with his record 28-3 and many believe he is one of the favourites heading into the French Open next week.
While some players latch onto the underdog tag when it comes to Grand Slams, Alcaraz is not one of them.
“I’m not afraid to say that I’m ready to win a Grand Slam,” he said. “Physically I feel very well. I am mentally strong. I am a strong player and in the end that is what it takes to win a Grand Slam.
“Now the level is accompanying me. I feel good and quite confident. It’s a host of things that can throw me up and I’m not afraid to say I’m ready to do it.”
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Jodie Burrage adding to the momentum behind Brits ahead of Wimbledon
Burrage’s journey, not only on grass courts but on tour as a whole, has not been smooth sailing.
-
Wimbledon
Exclusive – Rumours over Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon withdrawal as John Lloyd gives his verdict
US Open champion Raducanu has not played since withdrawing from the Rothesay Open Nottingham with the injury that continues to trouble her.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon: Jack Draper feels ‘ready to be dangerous’ following last four run in Eastbourne
Draper was beaten in the Eastbourne semi-finals by Maxime Cressy on Friday.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu can rise above the pressure and deliver at Wimbledon
The 19-year-old sparked more fears around her fitness by pulling out of a practice session on Friday.
-
News
Eastbourne: Jack Draper misses out on maiden ATP final
Cressy continued his conquering of the British players to edge through 7-6 (5) 6-7 (2) 6-3.
-
News
Ukraine grateful to Wimbledon for its decision to ban Russian players
The Ukrainian teenager says she has been “constantly disappointed” at the reaction of tennis since Russia’s invasion.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal making the most of every minute on grass
Rafael Nadal is upbeat ahead of Wimbledon.
-
Tennis News
Emma Raducanu’s agent defends teen star’s work schedule
Emma Raducanu’s agent Max Eisenbud insists the young star’s off-court commitments have not impacted her performance at all.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu should limit off-court obligations according to former prodigy
Pam Shriver says she doesn’t expect much from Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray says ‘I still believe I can win Wimbledon’ and working hard to ‘achieve that goal’
Andy Murray believes he can win a third Wimbledon title.