By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Friday, May 12, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz made his mark as the youngest year-end world No. 1 in ATP history.
Alcaraz will surpass Novak Djokovic and regain the top spot when the new ATP rankings are released after Rome.
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Meeting the media in Rome today, Alcaraz reflected on his toughest rival: the man in the mirror.
"I said before that your biggest rival is yourself," Alcaraz told the media in Rome. "It's not only for me, it's for everyone. You have to control yourself, your emotions first, then playing against the opponent.
"You have to choose the correct things in every moment. That is really tough 'cause we have just seconds before hitting the ball. It's tough.
"Yeah, it's not just for me, it's for everyone."
Rome represents the first time this season reigning champion Novak Djokovic and Alcaraz reside in the same draw.
US Open champion Alcaraz shares Wimbledon winner Djokovic's sentiment hoping the pair will square off for the first time in a year in the Rome final.
"Of course, being in the same tournament that Novak is great, having him here and learning from him," Alcaraz said. "It's always good having the best tennis players in the world in the tournament, it's great. I hope to meet him in the final.
"I always say that as a tennis fan I always want to see the best players in the world, to watch them, learn from them, 'cause you have to learn from everyone. Yeah, it's great to share the tournament."
Photo credit: Internazionali BNL d'Italia Facebook