‘More grand slams’: Carlos Alcaraz already has sights set on 2023 glory after US Open triumph
Former world number one Carlos Alcaraz has already set his sights on next year’s 2023 title after becoming the first Spaniard to complete the career Grand Slam.
The 33-year-old, who was once ranked second to Rafael Nadal inside the world, claimed his first title at the US Open in a 6-2 6-3 win over Italian Matteo Berrettini on Monday.
For Alcaraz, an accomplished clay court specialist with eight career titles in 20 ATP events, it was his first ever Grand Slam trophy.
Alcaraz, who has the same ranking as Nadal, said he will try to emulate his compatriot’s career success in the coming years.
“I want to keep playing, keep doing my best, have many titles,” he said after his triumph.
“I don’t have any problem if my ranking goes down because I will make some good performances in the coming years, too.
“I want to do something like Rafael. He goes to the French Open and then to the US Open and then the Tour Finals, so I have to do the same thing next year … so let’s see.”
While Alcaraz admits he will not put his ranking on the line in his bid to achieve a record-equalling third singles title at the ATP Finals, he said the next few months are all about winning this Grand Slam.
“I think, the way I play, I can take any challenge that comes,” he added.
“I always win matches. And I think my wins should represent my country, something very important to the people of Spain.”
Alcaraz, who took out his first match ranked number one, will face Austrian wildcard Tobias Kamke on Sunday in the semi-finals.
Kamke, also 31, was seeded 12th and made his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open in January.
He will face Belgium’s Robin Haase, who reached the final of the French Open in 2017, and the winner will replace the injured Dominic Thiem at the event.
Elsewhere in the draw, Spani