Carlos Alcaraz reveals his biggest career goal and explains how he must improve in 2024
Carlos Alcaraz has divulged that winning a medal at the Olympic Games would be “the biggest thing right now” in his career and personal life.
The two-time Major champion also admitted “the last part of the season has cost me a lot” and accepted he must improve his approach by “not having those ups and downs.”
Alcaraz had a career-best season this year, winning six titles and compiling an excellent 65-12 (84.4%) record as he finished as world No 2.
The 20-year-old won two Masters 1000 crowns, two ATP 500 tournaments and an ATP 250 title, but the highlight was his triumph at Wimbledon — where he overcame Novak Djokovic in a five-set epic.
Following his victory at the All England Club in July, though, Alcaraz did not claim another title and reached one final in the eight events he played.
The Spaniard lost four of his last six matches of the season, although he made an encouraging run to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals in Turin in his debut at the event.
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In an interview with TV Azteca, Alcaraz explained that maintaining a higher level level for the full season is a significant area of focus heading into 2024.
“The year is very demanding, very long, and the last part of the season has cost me a lot. Approaches that I have to improve for next year. Realising that the season continues until November, not having those ups and downs,” he explained.
“Not only do I work on it, but also, as I have said many times, I work with a psychologist who helps me a lot in these types of situations along with my team. We’ll see next year, it’s a point I want to improve.
“I face the pre-season with enthusiasm. It will be a demanding year, but a little more special having the Olympic Games in the summer, after Wimbledon. It will be a tough pre-season, like the ones I have done so far.
“To try to get strong, in the best possible tone to get to Australia and try to win it, which is what I go to every tournament. We are going to try to make it the same or better than this season.”
The world No 2 also revealed the Olympics is currently his primary goal ahead of next year’s Paris Games and reiterated his desire to partner legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal in the doubles event.
“2024 is going to be a special year. The Olympic Games are here, a tournament that makes me very excited to be able to play, to be able to live that experience with all the athletes from my country,” Alcaraz said.
“I will try to fight to get a medal for my country. That would be the biggest thing right now in my career, in my personal life. We will do our best. There is a possibility that I can play, even if I have not been in the necessary tournaments.
“We will try to take advantage of that opportunity, hold on to that small window to be able to go. That possible doubles with Rafa would be a dream for me, although there are still a few months left.”
READ MORE: What Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz need to do to qualify for Paris 2024
