Carlos Alcaraz speaks with CNN after US Open win to make Grand Slam history
With world number four Novak Djokovic on a six-match losing streak at the beginning of the clay season, Alcaraz hoped the Spaniard might find confidence when facing his rival.
But, after a stunning win in Melbourne on Sunday, the 32-year-old believes the two-time finalist has a strong chance of winning another Grand Slam title.
“I’m here to celebrate, to look at the history and to talk about the journey,” he said in his acceptance speech.
“It’s an incredible achievement, because he’s won more titles than any other men’s player in the game.
“I hope to beat Djokovic at least for one more time in the next ten years.”
He also said he might not make it back to the French Open next year.
“I’ve got my heart set on Roland Garros,” he added.
Alcaraz, who took over from Carlos Moyà, also praised his predecessor, saying his work in the past three years, especially with a new sponsor, Nike, has been vital to his success.
“Carlos Moyà has been a great ambassador for Nike and I’m very grateful for it,” he said.
However, Alcaraz warned he will only be able to improve his ranking with consistent performances on the hard courts, such as Roland Garros next week.
“If I’m competing well on a clay court and winning games every week, I might be able to do what I did four, five years ago,” he noted.
“But if I’m not in the good shape, it’s very difficult. I’m very happy with my ranking this year, and I hope that after my injuries I will be able to move up the ranking.”
“It is a great effort from me, and I’m very grateful to have been allowed to share the same stage with the world number one.”
CNN World Sport’s Laura Harvey with Alcaraz after the historic victory
Alcaraz said he was “a little bit sad” at being unable to share the same stage with Djokovic, who won his second Grand Slam title of the year, and to try and win his first in three years in Melbourne.
“I said to myself, ‘OK. If I am still alive, then I will
