World number one tennis player, Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Italian Jannik Sinner to win the US Open for the second time, has revealed the secrets to his success on the court.
At 22, the Spaniard becomes the second-youngest player in history to capture six Grand Slam titles, behind only Björn Borg.
Several hours after defeating his great rival 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to capture the US Open title, Alcaraz said it felt wonderful to repeat the 2022 success: title at Flushing Meadows
“It’s amazing. Even though I already did it in 2022, it’s still a dream come true. I’m meeting the goals I set at the start of the season. One of them was to return to No. 1 as soon as possible and finish the year at the top.”
Remarkably, Alcaraz dropped one set in the whole tournament and was broken just three times.
“This has been my best tournament so far in terms of consistency and maintaining a high level in every match. But I haven’t reached my prime yet, as people say. This is my best version so far, but there’s still room for improvement. I’m 22 years old; the best Carlos, at 100%, hasn’t come yet. I’ve sent a message to all my rivals about what my level can be, but there’s more to come.”
He also.spoke on what’s changing to help him achieve more consistency and move past the ups and downs he once had?
“I’m maturing. I’m keeping my essence, still being a player who hits spectacular shots, who enjoys doing different things on the court—because I like it, and I know people enjoy it too. But you can combine that with consistency. I’m getting older, learning from experience. I know myself better now.”
Continuing, he said, “I’m focusing more on details. I’m paying more attention to food, supplements, getting proper sleep. All of that is very important to bring out my best.”
On what he would never compromise on, Alcaraz said, “what I’d never sacrifice is time at home. That’s non-negotiable. If I feel I don’t have the time I’d like with my family, my friends, or being in Murcia, I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I have that quality time for myself and for my loved ones. If I ever see I’m going too far without paying attention to what really matters to me, that’s where I draw the line.”
On whether he is finding balance between enjoying life off court without losing competitiveness, the Spanish tennis star said, “On the contrary, they go hand in hand. If I enjoy time with my people, then I enjoy tennis more too. It’s about enjoying life with control, with tennis always first. I need vacations, I need to disconnect. And the results show that we’re working well, that things are going fine. So there’s no need to change.”
What helps you maintain that balance?
“Winning helps a lot. Everyone is different and needs different things. I needed balance, because I love living, I love enjoying time with family and friends, quality time at home. That’s what makes me happy.”
On what’s the next goal for him, he said,
“To be honest, the Australian Open is my first big goal. During preseason, when I think about what I want to improve and achieve, the Australian Open is there. My main goal is to complete the Grand Slam, to win all four. That would be incredible. If it’s not the first one, it might be in two, three, or four years—it doesn’t matter. But I want to achieve it, no matter what.”
