Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his triumph at the Indian Wells Masters, is gearing up for the European clay court season, which kicks off in Monte-Carlo next week. The Spanish sensation is set to defend a significant number of points, including titles in Barcelona and Madrid, along with a semi-final appearance at Roland-Garros.
Despite the pressure of defending his points, Alcaraz exudes confidence and motivation following his recent success. With his sights set on Roland-Garros, where he has steadily improved year after year, the 20-year-old is eager to make his mark on the red dirt.
“Roland Garros is a super special tournament for Spaniards because of what Rafa has achieved and for me it would be amazing to be able to win it, even just once… I’m going to try,” Alcaraz expressed during an event in Spain where he received the National Sports Award.
Alcaraz is no stranger to the Parisian clay, having reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and the semi-finals in 2023. Now, his ultimate aim is to progress further and perhaps clinch the coveted Coupe des Mousquetaires on June 9.
“I’ve grown and evolved. Two years ago, I was in the quarter-finals; Last year, I played in the semi-finals; Now the goal is to go to the final or be victorious […] I arrive on clay with a lot of desire and enthusiasm,” Alcaraz affirmed.
In addition to his aspirations for singles glory, Alcaraz also discussed the Paris Olympics and the possibility of partnering with his compatriot, Rafael Nadal, in the doubles event. The Wimbledon 2023 champion expressed his concern for Nadal’s physical condition but remains hopeful for the partnership.
“At the moment, I don’t know anything about his condition, or how he’s doing. Obviously, as a Spaniard and a tennis player, I’m worried about that,” Alcaraz stated. “Let’s see how he and I get there, in the end there are still four months left. Anything can happen, but I hope it can happen.”
As the European clay court season beckons, Carlos Alcaraz stands poised to make his mark on the tennis world once again, fueled by determination and ambition as he sets his sights on Roland-Garros glory.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Currently the world no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 28th of March when he was overcome by world no.9 Grigor Dimitrov 6-2 6-4 in the quarter in Miami (draw).
This season the Spaniard has managed to achieve a compiled 15-4 record. This year, Alcaraz lifted the trophy in Indian Wells.
Alcaraz conquered 1 title in 2024 in Indian Wells.
Carlos won 14 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 7 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Alcaraz is scheduled to compete next in Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (Monte–Carlo). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 7th of April.
Carlos Alcaraz |
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