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Tennis | Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz jokingly warns tennis youngsters after round three win

The Spaniard says he was surprised by the level of the American Tien and believes that these tennis players can “beat anyone”, even him.

Melbourne
The Spaniard says he was surprised by the level of the American Tien and believes that these tennis players can “beat anyone”, even him.
Tingshu WangREUTERS

Carlos Alcaraz spoke to the media after his third-round victory against Portugal’s Nuno Borges at the Australian Open. The Spaniard acknowledged that while there were some spectacular moments in the match, he also made several errors.

Carlos Alcaraz shares insights after win

Alcaraz: on Borges and his own level

“I think he plays his game, his level, which is really good. He’s a very solid and talented player. So, I’m happy with my level. It could be better—I made a lot of mistakes that I shouldn’t have. But overall, I’m happy and know there are things I need to improve on for the next match.”


Carlos Alcaraz of Spain shakes hands with Nuno Borges of Portugal after the match.
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Carlos Alcaraz of Spain shakes hands with Nuno Borges of Portugal after the match.JOEL CARRETTEFE

Alcaraz: on wind and the pace on the Rod Laver Arena

“It was my first match on that court this year. I don’t know. I didn’t find serving or the court itself to be particularly difficult. I felt the same as I did on the Margaret Court, for example. I didn’t notice much difference between the two. Obviously, with the wind, the sun, and the heat, the conditions were a little different.

“The ball became a bit faster with the heat. I’d say that’s why things felt a bit trickier than in my previous matches. But I don’t think it was because of the court itself or because it was Rod Laver Arena—it felt just like the others.”

Alcaraz: on Jack Draper

“He’s had two really tough battles in his previous matches. Now he’s up against Vukic, who’s also playing great tennis. We’ll see. I’ll face whoever comes next, but if it’s Draper, I know he’s a very tough opponent. He has a great level. We had plans to train together during the preseason, but there was one week when he was supposed to come to the academy and couldn’t because he was a bit injured.

“I’m happy that a lot of players come to the academy or to Alicante, which is nearby, so I get to play or train with them. Draper and I have a good relationship off the court. We’ve practiced together a couple of times, and I’m pretty sure we’ll train together in the next preseason, either in Alicante or London, wherever. He’s a good guy.”

That winning feeling | Carlos Alcaraz through
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That winning feeling | Carlos Alcaraz throughTingshu WangREUTERS

Alcaraz: on young players and the challenge of winning a Slam under 20 years old

“I’ve seen those players—Mensik, Fonseca, Tien—I’ve seen the level they have. I didn’t know much about Tien, for example, but I saw a bit last night, and it was incredible. His level surprised me. I don’t know what rankings they’ll reach or what they’ll achieve, but they have so much potential. I’m talking like I’m 30 years old, and I’m only two years older than them (laughs). What advice would I give them? Maybe, don’t beat me, I guess. I don’t know. I see them capable of beating anyone, including me. They’ve got the level and gain experience with every tournament they play. Last night, we saw Tien beat Medvedev here in Australia in five sets, which was incredible. Fonseca also played his first five-set match yesterday. They’re gaining experience, and they’ll only become more dangerous. We’ll see what happens in the future.

“As for winning at a young age, I never thought it was impossible. When I started, I didn’t pay attention to things like which player had just won a Grand Slam as the youngest ever or the youngest to become world number one. I didn’t know those stats, so I didn’t think about it. I’m pretty sure the young guys today aren’t thinking about that either.”

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action
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Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in actionADRIAN DENNISAFP

Alcaraz: on pre-match and in-match meals

“I have my secrets, which I’m not going to reveal (smiling). For example, tortilla de patatas—I’ve been eating that here. And during matches, I have my own routine. I’m working with Crown, a Spanish brand, and they’ve developed some great products specifically for me to eat during matches. I don’t know how to explain it in English, but I’m pretty sure the cameras caught it.”

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