Carlos Alcaraz is only 22 and already has six Grand Slam titles under his belt, a remarkable feat that hints at a long period of dominance ahead, especially with Jannik Sinner also in the mix.
He’s just an Australian Open title away from completing the Career Grand Slam, having already collected majors on every surface within three years.
Alcaraz has two Wimbledon titles, two Roland Garros trophies, and another pair from the US Open.
But before his breakout win at Flushing Meadows in 2022, when he beat Casper Ruud in the final, Alcaraz admits there were times he questioned whether he was truly ready for the game’s biggest moments.
Carlos Alcaraz reveals when he started believing he could win a Grand Slam
Reflecting on his US Open win, Alcaraz was asked: “You’ve talked in recent days about dreaming of these things since you were a kid. When did you know you could do these things, win a Grand Slam, reach No. 1?”
He answered: “Honestly, since I won Miami. Since I won Miami, I thought I was able to have a Grand Slam in my hands.
“But before Miami, I was thinking that I have to still grow up. I thought that I’m able to do good results in a Grand Slam, but not be a champion.
“But I would say after Miami, I won great matches in a row. I would say after that I thought that I’m able to win a Grand Slam.
“Right now, I’m enjoying the moment. I’m enjoying having the trophy in my hands. But of course, I’m hungry for more.
“I want to be at the top for many weeks and hopefully many years. I’m going to work hard again after this week and fight for more moments like this.”
Alcaraz admits he struggled to enjoy his tennis before 2022 US Open
Reflecting on the lead-up to the tournament, Alcaraz said: “In Montreal and in Cincinnati, I lost the joy a little bit. As you said, I felt the pressure. I couldn’t smile on court, which I’m doing in every match, every tournament.”
“I came here just to enjoy, you know? To smile on court, to enjoy playing tennis. I love playing tennis, of course,” Alcaraz added. “I would say if I smile if I have fun out there, I’ll see my best level, my best tennis.
“I would say thanks to my team, thanks to Juan Carlos [Ferrero], my family everyone who supported me in those moments to come here to enjoy again. So I’m going to say thank you to all of them.”
The Spaniard has now surpassed Novak Djokovic’s tally of 24 Grand Slam titles – but like Roger Federer – they never won an Olympic gold medal.
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