Carlos not chasing ‘impossible‘ records
PARIS, France (AFP) — Carlos Alcaraz said emulating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s successes seems “impossible” after winning his maiden French Open title on Sunday with victory over Alexander Zverev.
The 21-year-old came from behind to win 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 and claim his third Grand Slam triumph.
Alcaraz’s victory made him the youngest man to win Slam titles on clay, grass and hard courts.
‘Both things are out of the ordinary.’
With Roger Federer retired, Nadal expected to hang up his racquet this year and Djokovic having a poor season by his high standards, Alcaraz could be primed to dominate the sport for years to come.
Although he is already making history, he has some way to go to match Nadal’s record of 14 French Open titles or Djokovic’s men’s best total of 24 Grand Slams.
“Both things are out of the ordinary,” he admitted.
“You have to be an alien to get it. What Rafa did with 14 is practically impossible.”
“The 24 Grand Slams I hope I can but it is almost impossible. Both things are out of the ordinary.”
“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 Djokovic has 24.”
“So it is unbelievable. Right now I can’t think about it.”
Alcaraz will next turn his attention to the grass-court season and the defense of his Wimbledon title.
But he already has one eye on returning to Roland Garros next month for the Paris Olympics, where he is expected to play alongside the 38-year-old Nadal in the doubles.
“When I come back here to the Olympics I will have flashbacks. It can be very nice, my first Games 40 days after winning my first Roland Garros,” he added.
“I really want to. Fight to give my country a medal, be able to play doubles with my idol Rafa Nadal. Let’s fight. Coming back here is going to be a special feeling.”
He is the eighth Spanish man to win the Coupe des Mousquetaires.