‘I want to be the best,’ says Carlos Alcaraz – even at marbles
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Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates beating Russian Karen Khachanov.
PHOTO: AFP
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MADRID – Carlos Alcaraz said on Wednesday that his competitive fires burn so intensely, that he not only wants to become the world’s greatest tennis player but also plans to reign supreme at marbles.
The world No. 2 and US Open champion made the Madrid Open semi-finals by beating Russian Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 for his 27th win in 29 matches in 2023.
“I want to be one of the best tennis players in history,” said the Spanish teenager, who turns 20 on Friday when he takes on Croatia’s Borna Coric in the last four.
“I’m ambitious. I don’t want to lose – even at marbles.
“I’m not going to get tired of winning.
“I live from day to day, I love playing tennis, so I’m not afraid that I’ll get tired of winning because that’s not going to happen.”
Despite his tender age, Alcaraz has already played 150 ATP Tour matches, winning 117 times.
That run has included nine career titles, while his 2022 US Open triumph saw him become the sport’s youngest world No. 1.
“I am proud that, in such a short time, I have established myself on the circuit with incredible moments, which have made me learn and grow very quickly,” he added.
“My dream in tennis right now is to become one of the best players in history.
“I know it’s a big dream – probably too big. But you have to dream and think big.”
Following the Madrid Open, Alcaraz will look ahead to the French Open later in May, hoping to improve on his quarter-final finish in 2022.
One player who will not be at Roland Garros is Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who said on Wednesday she will miss the French Open and Wimbledon as she recovers from hand and ankle surgery.
The 2021 US Open champion has been dogged by injury problems in recent months and pulled out of the Madrid Open with a hand injury. The 20-year-old, who has slipped to 85th in the world rankings, posted on her social media accounts a photo of herself in a hospital bed with her right hand bandaged.
“It is safe to say the last 10 months have been difficult as I dealt with a recurring injury on a bone of both hands,” she said.
“I tried my best to manage the pain and play through it for most of this year and end of last year by reducing practice load dramatically, missing weeks of training as well as cutting last season short to try heal it.
“Unfortunately, it’s not enough. I’m having a minor procedure done on both hands to resolve the issues... and will have another minor procedure on my ankle.”
AFP, REUTERS
