Carlos Alcaraz reflects on his new life after winning the US Open
Carlos Alcaraz reflects on his new life after winning the US Open as the Spaniard prepares his title defense
- Since winning at Flushing Meadows in 2022, Alcaraz has become a star
- But he says that his personal life hasn’t changed as much as his public life
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Carlos Alcaraz has admitted there are days when he wishes he could rewind to a life of anonymity and obscurity.
But the world No. 1 knows that era – when he could explore cities such as New York without turning any heads – ended with victory at last year’s US Open.
The 20-year-old became the youngest male winner of a major since 2005 with victory over Casper Ruud.
Since then, Alcaraz has gone on to win Wimbledon and build a captivating rivalry with Novak Djokovic.
It means he returns to the US Open as the sport’s shining light.
Carlos Alcaraz says he sometimes wants ‘to feel like a normal guy’ in the wake of his stardom
But after winning the 2022 US Open, Alcaraz has catapulted to the top of the sport
He’s gone on to win Wimbledon as well – sparking a rivalry with his opponent, Novak Djokovic
‘My life changed a lot, a lot,’ he smiled. ‘I’m more, let’s say, famous. A lot of people are starting to know my name after the US Open last year… sometimes I like it, sometimes no. Sometimes you want to feel like a normal guy, to walk normally.’
Alcaraz enjoys playing golf on his visits here. He also likes to explore New York’s sights and restaurants.
‘Here in New York, there are a lot of Spanish people, South American people as well. It’s difficult for me to walk normally sometimes.
‘I wish some days to be someone not recognized at all. But it’s going to be impossible. I have to enjoy that part as well. But sometimes it is difficult.’
Alcaraz begins his title defence against Dominik Koepfer of Germany, with British pair Dan Evans and Cameron Norrie potentially waiting before a possible quarterfinal rematch with Jannik Sinner.
The Spaniard beat Sinner over five record-breaking sets last year en route to changing his life forever.
‘My personal life didn’t change at all – I’m the same guy, normal guy,’ Alcaraz said. ‘Obviously I feel that I’m more mature on court. I feel that I’m a better player than I was a year ago.’
Alcaraz is in uncharted waters, entering a Slam as defending champion, but he insisted: ‘I try not to think about that.
Alcaraz said after the win, ‘My personal life didn’t change at all – I’m the same guy, normal guy’
He said he’ll try to ‘do exactly the same thing that I did last year’ in preparation for the Open’s start. Alcaraz begins his tournament against Dominik Koepfer of Germany on Tuesday.
‘This week, this practice week, I try to do exactly the same thing that I did last year, trying to practice the same way that I’m going to play, and focus on that.’
Alcaraz and Djokovic are on a collision course once more. Djokovic triumphed in their semifinal at Roland Garros before Alcaraz won an epic Wimbledon final.
The pair shared another thriller in Cincinnati last week and Alcaraz was asked which of his rival’s qualities he would most like to add to his own game.
‘Everything he does in the game is unbelievable,’ the 20-year-old said. ‘Probably his mental rock – he never gives up… probably that’s the most important thing that he has, and I try to take in my own game.’
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