Carlos Alcaraz has declared that winning a medal at the Olympic Games would be the biggest career goal in his career right now.
The World No. 2 admitted that the last quarter of the season has been very taxing for him and accepted he needs improvement in approach. Overall the 2023 was so far proved to be the most successful year for the Spaniard who clinched a total of 6 titles in the season that included two Masters 1000 crowns, two ATP 500 tourneys, an ATP 250 title and a coveted maiden Wimbledon Golden-ware by edging Novak Djokovic in a five-set classic.
After his victorious run at the SW19 in July, Alcaraz couldn’t add another title to his 2023 resume and only managed to reach one championship match (Cincinnati Masters) in the total of events he participated.
The two-time Grand Slam champion lost four of his final 6 matches of the 2023 tennis calendar though he recorded an impressive semifinal run at the year-end ATP Finals in Turin where he was making a debut.
Talking to TV Azteca, Alcaraz assessed that maintaining a higher level throughout the season will be a crucial target heading into 2024.
“The year is very demanding, very long, and the last part of the season has cost me a lot. Approaches that I have to improve for next year. Realizing that the season continues until November, not having those ups and downs,” he said.
“Not only do I work on it, but also, as I have said many times, I work with a psychologist who helps me a lot in these types of situations along with my team. We’ll see next year, it’s a point I want to improve.
“I face the pre-season with enthusiasm. It will be a demanding year, but a little more special having the Olympic Games in the summer, after Wimbledon. It will be a tough pre-season, like the ones I have done so far.
“To try to get strong, in the best possible tone to get to Australia and try to win it, which is what I go to every tournament. We are going to try to make it the same or better than this season.”
The 20-year-old also marked the Paris Olympics as his primary goal and expressed his desire to pair with idol and legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal in the doubles event.
“2024 is going to be a special year. The Olympic Games are here, a tournament that makes me very excited to be able to play, to be able to live that experience with all the athletes from my country,” Alcaraz said.
“I will try to fight to get a medal for my country. That would be the biggest thing right now in my career, in my personal life. We will do our best. There is a possibility that I can play, even if I have not been in the necessary tournaments.
“We will try to take advantage of that opportunity, hold on to that small window to be able to go. That possible doubles with Rafa would be a dream for me, although there are still a few months left.”