Carlos Alcaraz has already confirmed himself one of many brightest stars of his era, capturing Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces.
Now, the 21-year-old Spaniard is about to face the ultimate problem of his younger profession on the Australian Open.
If he lifts the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup in Melbourne, Alcaraz will develop into the youngest man to finish a profession Grand Slam, becoming a member of legends like Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, solidifying his place amongst tennis’ all-time greats.
Alcaraz has not superior previous the quarterfinals in his three earlier visits to Melbourne, however that hasn’t stopped the world No. 3 from dreaming of glory within the Jan. 12-26 occasion.
“I have it in mind to get a tattoo of a kangaroo,” Alcaraz informed Spanish outlet Marca just lately, referring to the custom of immortalizing his main triumphs on his pores and skin.
“The goal is to complete the Grand Slam in Melbourne.”
For all his optimism earlier than the primary Grand Slam of the New Year, Alcaraz can be conscious he was considerably overshadowed by Jannik Sinner in 2024, with the Italian having fun with a near-perfect season that included the Australian Open and U.S. Open titles.
Sobering expertise
Defeat by Novak Djokovic within the Olympic ultimate in Paris was one other sobering expertise for Alcaraz, and a few pundits started to query his consistency after a shock second-round loss to the unheralded Botic van de Zandschulp on the U.S. Open.
“Every player wants to be in the final, to go as far as they can during tournaments. This year, I’ve played great tournaments and really bad tournaments,” stated Alcaraz, who responded to his critics by profitable the China Open, beating Sinner within the ultimate.
“My aim on the finish is to be there on a regular basis, to at the least attain the semifinals and finals to present myself the prospect to win tournaments.
“I have to work. I’m still super young, so I have or I hope to have many years to get there. Let’s see in 2025; I hope to be a better player and (show) more consistency.”
Federer, who watched Alcaraz reside for the primary time throughout his triumphant Wimbledon protection shortly after his Roland Garros victory, believes the Spaniard has what it takes to seize the one main title that has eluded him up to now.
“He will win an Australian Open, the question is when,” stated Federer.
“He’s had the most incredible career already. It’s fantastic that he’s already got four Grand Slams without talking about all the other stuff that he’s achieved. Fantastic effort.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com