Carlos Alcaraz has been tipped as the next leader of the men’s tennis but the Spaniard has asserted that he is not thinking about that right now.
Novak Djokovic reigns supreme as the man to beat on the men’s side of the tour after conquering three of four majors in 2023 as he was kept at bay by Alcaraz from completing the career slam at Wimbledon final earlier in July.
Sitting at #1 spot, the legendary Serbian is still dominant force with Alcaraz, ranked #2 looking ready and in perfect shape to take the spot back from him. Yet the 2-time major champion stresses that he doesn’t see himself as the savior of tennis at the twilight of golden era of the men’s tennis that was dominated by all-time GOATS like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“I don’t feel that pressure,” he said when asked whether he will succeed Djokovic as the new face of men’s tennis.
“For me is great to be surrounded by legends and hear good words from them. But I try not to take it as important as it is. It’s just happy to hear that and try to simulate it on the court, you know, my joy.
“It’s something great for me, but I try not to listen to it too much.”
The 20-year-old aimed to chase down Djokovic in the year-end ATP #1 race as he fancies his chances to get an edge over his generational rival ahead of the season-concluding ATP Finals in Turin.
“We have really beautiful battle for the No. 1 spot after the great performance Djokovic had in the American season, let’s say. He’s the No. 1 right now,” added Alcaraz.
“I’m coming here to China with extra motivation to try to recover it in the race, of course, in the ranking. As I said, it’s something that I have in my mind every time I practice, in every tournament.
“Is not obligatory for me to recover that, but of course you have to put the goals in the year. So for me No 1 spot is one of the main goals for me.
“In these great tournaments, I’m looking to do great to be able to be close or recover that number.
“Then next year I’m looking to play the four Grand Slams. I hope to not miss any of them. I will try to do the same things that I’m doing this year.
“I could be more than happy if I won the same tournaments that I won so far of the results that I’m doing this year. That’s my goal for next year. That’s obvious.
“Right now I’m really happy with the level I’m playing, with the result I received so far. The year is not over. There are few tournaments ahead. So hopefully to end that year as good as it started.”
After extending his Grand Slam tally to 24, Djokovic has opted to skip the Asian hard court swing and is spending his weekend with a round of golf and cheering on the European team at the Ryder Cup in Italy.