Alcaraz: "The records I want to break are the ones Novak breaks"
Carlos Alcaraz, 20 years old, two-time Grand Slam winner and current number two in the world, has set high goals for his future. He was able to break Björn Borg's record at this year's Australian Open, but Novak Djokovic's records are still his goal.
by Johanna Brauer
last edit: Jan 21, 2024, 02:03 pm
Carlos Alcaraz, who became the youngest world number 1 ever after winning the US Open, is following in the footsteps of tennis legend Djokovic. Djokovic is particularly relevant among younger tennis players. Many were inspired by the Serb at a young age and are now on the pitch with him. As Alcaraz already said with regard to the 2024 season, they are here “to stop Novak Djokovic”.
The fact that the Spaniard broke Björn Borg's record only impressed the 20-year-old moderately. He reached the knockout stages of a Grand Slam for the seventh time in a row, becoming the youngest player ever. The records he wants to break are those of Djokovic. After today's win against Shang Juncheng, the Spaniard said: "I try not to attach importance to it because the records I want to break are the ones Novak breaks. These are the goals I have set for my career. Taking away legends like Borg is always a good thing, but giving them too much importance can turn against you."
Alcaraz: "With every game I feel better and better"
At a press conference in Melbourne, the world number two also spoke about his current condition. He feels comfortable on the pitch and is satisfied with his level.
"I feel good. Probably 7, 8 out of 10. That's a high rating. But that's how I feel, I don't know why. I think I'm getting better every day. Every game I feel better and better, explained Alcaraz. He also added: "I move well, I hit the ball hard and of course I'm getting used to this place. I haven't played on this court (Rod Laver Arena) much. I think it's all good. I take good things from this place, from the level at which I play. Hopefully it keeps getting better."
Alcaraz had a more relaxed game day today. With a score of 6:1, 6:1 and 1:0, his opponent Shang Juncheng had to give up. The young Spaniard doesn't start until Monday, the exact time will be announced later. There he will meet the Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, who defeated last year's semi-finalist Tommy Paul.