What did Alcaraz say about Djokovic’s Grand Slam record after winning the French Open?
The Spanish superstar couldn’t hide his happiness in the post-game press conference and revealed his next objectives.
One year ago, Carlos Alcaraz had to deal with one of the most frustrating moments in his career, losing to Novak Djokovic due to a cramping episode he suffered from the third set of that semifinal game. The Murcian took that as a learning experience and this time around he controlled his nerves and pressure to achieve what he couldn’t last year, win the French Open title.
Although he didn’t have a great campaign, with only one win at Indian Wells, the 21-year-old player seemed confident about his chances in Paris, and after two weeks of brilliant tennis, he has proven why.
Alcaraz had been dealing with a forearm injury that forced him to skip some events. The world No. 2 focused on overcoming his fitness issues with his team and that work paid off, as he has been at his best in the second Grand Slam tournament of the calendar.
But besides being physically ready to compete at the highest level, he showed he’s also stronger mentally. After seeing how Alexander Zverev came back from one set down to win the next two, Juan Carlos Ferrero’s disciple didn’t get desperate and give up. Instead, he raised his level to win the fourth and fifth sets to win the third major of his career. Zverev only won three games since Alcaraz’s reaction.
Alcaraz’s ambitious objective: matching Djokovic’s 24 major titles
Carlitos keeps making history in tennis. With his win at the French Open final, he became the youngest player to win a major on three different surfaces.
Despite his humble personality, the Spanish maestro has always said he’s an ambitious player. After reigning supreme in Paris, he admitted he wants to keep winning Grand Slam events and match Djokovic’s Grand Slam tournament record (24 titles):
“Before facing this final, he (coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero) told me, you’re going to fight for your third Grand Slam title, with everything you have been through, and you know the difficult part of winning a Grand Slam, and Djoko has 24,” Alcaraz said.
“So it is unbelievable. Right now I can’t think about it. I just want to keep going and let’s see how many Grand Slams I’m going to take at the end of my career. Hopefully, reach the 24, but right now I’m going to enjoy my third one. Let’s see in the future”, the French Open champion added.
Now Alcaraz will have some days off to celebrate the title with his family and friends and also to take a break from competition. But he will soon return to training, as the grass season is already here. Alcaraz is expected to play at Queen’s, where he will defend his title, before playing at Wimbledon, where he’s also the current champion.