Alcaraz: I don’t want to compare myself to the Big Three

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, after winning the US Open, confirmed that he had great admiration for the “big three”, in reference to his compatriot Rafael Nadal, the Swiss Roger Federer, and the Serbian Novak Djokovic, but he stressed at the same time that he did not want to compare himself with them, but rather seeks to repeat what they have achieved.

At a press conference following his grand slam final victory that catapulted him to the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, the 19-year-old said, “It’s unbelievable to have a place in history (being the youngest number one in the world), but it’s hard to achieve.” What the Big Three have achieved is to stay on the scene for twenty years.”

“It’s something I strive for, I don’t want to compare myself to them, but it’s something I respect a lot and everyone wants to be like them. I will try to be like them even to a small degree.”

Alcaraz won 6-4 2-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 in a match that lasted three hours and 20 minutes against 23-year-old Danish Casper Ruud, who will rise to the world rankings.

Thus, the Spaniard became the youngest player to win the Flushing Meadows champion since Pete Sampras’ victory in 1990.

“It’s crazy, I never thought I’d reach something like this at the age of 19,” Alcaraz said. “It all happened so fast, it’s unbelievable.”

“It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I started playing tennis… I’m definitely thirsting for more, I want to be at my best for many weeks, many years, I’ll work hard and I’ll fight for more.”

The young Spanish player confirmed, “Now many things will enter my life that I did not imagine, but I know myself, it will not be difficult for me to keep my feet on the ground, I will remain the same boy that I have always been.”