By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday August 26, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz is focused on growth and development as he prepares to take the court as US Open defending champion.
Photo Source: Getty
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday August 25, 2023
A lot has changed for Carlos Alcaraz in a year’s time. For one, the Spaniard is now the ATP’s No.1 player with two Grand Slam titles to his name. More specifically, he’s the youngest World No.1 in ATP history and one of just five men to have won at least two major titles before turning 21.
You don’t do that without gaining an ever increasing share of the spotlight and Alcaraz has certainly seen his reality change dramatically. He’s become a household name in the sport and is widely recognized across the world.
“It’s not always easy,” he said on Friday at US Open media day..
Alcaraz is great at giving love to his fans, but it’s natural that he can find it a little draining when he’s constantly mobbed by autograph-seeking supporters at tournaments, and even recognized out on the streets of New York.
“Sometimes I like it; sometimes no,” he said. “Sometimes you want to feel like a normal guy, to walk normally. Here in New York, there are a lot of Spanish people, South American people as well. It's difficult for me to walk normally sometimes.
“I wish some days to be someone not recognized at all. But it's going to be impossible. I have to enjoy that part as well. But sometimes it makes it difficult.”
Life off the court may have become more complicated, but on the court things are simpler for the 20-year-old, who has backed up his breakout 2022 season with a crazy good 2023. He’s 53-6 with six titles on the season, including a triumph at Wimbledon that saw him take down seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set final.
On Friday in New York, decked out a Nike hat pulled low and an Air Jordan t-shirt, he told reporters that he feels like he is a better player in many ways.
“I feel that I'm more mature on court,” he said. “I feel that I'm a better player than I was a year ago. Even I got my first Grand Slam last year, but I feel like I'm more mature and I'm better.”
In New York, Alcaraz is bidding to become the first player since Roger Federer in 2008 to defend the US Open men’s singles title, but he’s not one to get caught up with pressure or expectations. He’ll instead focus on putting his best foot forward as he makes a play for winning his third major title.
Will it be complicated, coming back to New York as the defending champion? “Probably, but I try not to think about that,” he said. “This week, this practice week, I try to do exactly the same thing that I did last year, trying to practice the same way that I'm going to play, and focus on that. I'm not focused on the defending champion, the points, whatever.”
All eyes are already on a potential rematch with Djokovic, who defeated Alcaraz in three sets in last week’s Cincinnati final. It’s a long road for Alcaraz that will start with a first-round clash with Germany’s Dominik Koepfer.
“I think I'm ready,” he said. “I'm practicing well. Obviously I'm super excited to play my first match here in US Open again.”