Carlos Alcaraz has revealed his ambition to be “the best in history” following a disappointing loss against Novak Djokovic at year-end ATP Finals in Turin.
The World No. 2 said that he is motivated by Djokovic’s unbelievable record-breaking runs while admitting that he also does not want to get obsessed with what 24-time Grand Slam champion has achieved in his illustrious career.
Djokovic displayed a tennis clinic to hand Alcaraz a crushing 6-3, 6-2 defeat in the semifinal on Saturday to halt the Spaniard’s maiden run at the season-ending championships. After felling to German Alexander Zverev in the opening test at the event, Alcaraz edged the Russian duo of Rublev and Medvedev in what were straight-set triumphs to qualify for the final four.
The semifinal registered by the far the most one-sided meeting between the 20 and 36-year-olds as the former witnessed a tennis masterclass by the latter to conclude his 2023 campaign. Heading into the contest, the head-to-head series between the pair hanged at 2-2. The most notable of the duels were this year’s Wimbledon and Cincinnati Finals, with Alcaraz winning the Wimbledon in five sets and Djokovic taking the Cincinnati in three-sets earlier in August.
Speaking in the post-match press conference after the hurting loss, the Murcian was asked to comment on whether he considers Djokovic as a source of motivation who now leads their head-to-head series 3-2 and is also set to cross the 400 weeks threshold as ATP #1.
“Well, honestly, if I have to think about it, I have to stay there about 15 years. So [it] is unbelievable (smiling). Of course, it’s a motivation because I’m an ambitious guy and I want to be the best in history. I want to practice with a goal. I want to beat him. I want to win every tournament that I’m going to play,” said the Spaniard.
“But at the same time, I will not think about it because it’s really, really difficult. It’s something that a legend from our sport couldn’t make it. It’s unbelievable what he’s doing, just breaking records, winning every tournament that he goes. It’s crazy. It’s a mix of motivation and a mix of I don’t want to think about it (smiling).”
The 2-time Grand Slam champion also addressed whether he could have tried employing a tactical change to his ultra-aggressive playing style.
“I don’t know, honestly. Probably just run, put balls in with no speed, anything else, just play long rallies. Once again, against a player like Novak, is not enough,” assessed Alcaraz.
“I going to say that I had to put myself in a position that I had to attack more or play more aggressively. If I have mistakes, it’s the same. As I said, against a player like Novak, you have to play your hundred percent, going into the line. If not, you’re dead (smiling).”