Carlos Alcarazworld number one, confirmed on Friday that the United States Open title defense begins as a player “better” and “more mature” compared to last year and also more “famous”, something that he is used to and that prevents him from “walking normally” in the streets of New York.
“My life has changed a lot., is different now due to being more, shall we say, popular. A lot of people started to know my name after the US Open last year,” said Alcaraz during the media day before the start of the last ‘big’ of the season, scheduled from August 28 to September 10 in New York.
“Personal life doesn’t change. I’m the same guy, a normal guy. I feel more mature on the track, I think I’m a better player than a year ago,” he added.
The twenty-year-old from Murcia, winner of six tournaments this year, including Wimbledon, returns to Flushing Meadows as world number one and as a great figure in world tennis.
His character and playing style make him the idol of millions of fans, who also recognize him every time he walks the streets of New York.
“Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes you want to feel like a normal person, walk normally. Here in New York there are many Spaniards, also South Americans. It’s hard to walk normally sometimes. Sometimes I wish they didn’t recognize me, but that’s impossible. I have to enjoy this part too, but sometimes it’s hard,” Alcaraz admitted.
The Murcian arrives in New York after playing an epic final at the Cincinnati Masters 1,000 against the Serbian Novak Djokovicwho returned and was crowned after a battle of three hours and 49 minutes.
“He’s one of the best in our sport, certainly. Everything he does is amazing. (I admire) his mental strength. Never give up. In the most difficult moments, it seems that he will collapse and lose, but he always gives himself the opportunity to continue playing and win,” he said.
“Surely that is the best quality he has. I try to have my own game,” he added.
Alcaraz will have the support of his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in New York, who was absent three weeks ago in Toronto for family. The former world number one is back to join the Murcian in Cincinnati.
“For me, it’s always good to have Juan Carlos with me. I know you can’t travel all year round. He travels with me 90% of the time, but sometimes he also has to focus on his family,” he said.
“I have a very good coach when he’s not around, who is Toni (Cascales). He was Juan Carlos’ coach when he was a player. He became number one in the world, he is very kind,” he concluded.
Source: La Verdad
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