Carlos Alcaraz and the child’s dream: “Since I was a child I wanted to win a Grand Slam and be number one”

Carlos Alcaraz He is one of those players who are always in a good mood. But this Sunday the smile did not enter the Murciano’s face. It wasn’t for less. With his four-set win against Casper Ruud at the end of US Open, not only did he take his first Grand Slam title, but he also took the world number one. And, with just one win, he made the two big dreams of his tennis life come true.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid, to win a Grand Slam and be number one. It’s hard to talk now, I have a lot of emotions,” he said after sealing a historic victory on American hardcourt.

“We have worked hard with my team and my family to achieve these milestones. I am only 19 and I make decisions with them. This is very special to me. When I won I thought of my mother, who cannot be here. and my grandfather. Most of my team is here, but some members of my family couldn’t come and I think about it a lot, “he said that as soon as the game was over, he ran to his garage to celebrate with his people.

There he hugged his coach Giovanni Carlo Ferrerowith his father Charleswith one of his brothers and with the other members of his group, who suffered with him during the three hours and 20 minutes of the final.

“I won the first set by serving quite well, Casper had more options to take him for how deep he played, I was very tense, honestly. Even in the second and third. But I managed to calm down a bit, get rid of my nerves and play. at a good level basically. He was very solid and made it difficult for me. I thought I had to serve well in difficult times and I was able to do so, “he acknowledged, in conversation with eurosport.

Alcaraz had reached the decisive match with more than 20 hours on the pitch and after three consecutive victories in five sets, against Marino Cilic in eighths, first Sinner Jannik in the quarters and front Francesca Tiafè in the semifinals. Adding the final against Ruud, the Murcian He completed 23 hours and 40 minutes of play in two memorable weeks.

“In the final stretch the most difficult part was the legs, not the mental part. I felt good in the head, but the legs weighed me down and it was difficult for me to move. I knew I had to concentrate on the serve to close the game”, he analyzed.

But as they always say, the final stages of a Grand Slam are not a time to be tired, but to give everything on the pitch. And in those moments it always helps to think and feel the support of my family, who came to visit me, and the love I have received here since day one. Now I’m a little tired, but happy. It’s something amazing to have this cup in my hands, ”she added.

“Both Carlos and I knew what was at stake. And it’s great that the finalists appear tomorrow (for today) as the number one and two in the world. I hope not to play with another Spaniard if I return to a final Grand Slam.” , commented. Ruud, who played his first Grand Slam final in June Roland Garroswhere he fell before Rafael Nadal.

“Of course I’m disappointed that it’s not number 1, but number 2 isn’t bad either“added the Norwegian, who made history also because he will accompany the Spaniard from this Monday and will be the first player from his country to reach the top 2.

In New York, likewise, the great protagonist was a tireless Alcaraz, who shouted champion, inaugurated his record in the “big” tournaments and secured the number 1.

“This is a super special moment that I will never forget,” said Carlitos, the new king of world tennis.