Tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz isn't abashed to set his sights high when it comes to how he wants to be remembered when his playing career is over.
Just 19 years of age and already a U.S. Open champion, the Spaniard's on-court ability has proved prodigious as he spearheads the sport's next generation of stars. However, Alcaraz has also displayed mental fortitude ahead of its time, unashamedly naming Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as inspirations for his most recent rise.
"I thought a lot about Nadal when I was recovering from my injury," he wrote for Eurosport's 'Players' Voice' column. "Often when the best players have been out for a long time, they win their first tournament back. I wanted to be one of those players.
Do you think Carlos Alcaraz will go on to break the Grand Slam title record in men's tennis? Let us know in the comments section.
"Those examples of successful returns have motivated me – like what Rafa did at the 2022 Australian Open, and when Djokovic has returned from absences, he has won important tournaments. These examples are inspirations to think, 'let's get back training' because I also want to come back the best I can to try to win."
Those legendary figures have gone from icons admired from afar to his peers in no time at all, and Alcaraz already boasts wins over both Djokovic (1-0 in their head-to-head) and Nadal (against whom he trails 1-2). He's already surpassed both idols in several fields and became the youngest player to top the ATP world rankings last year when he opened his Grand Slam account at Flushing Meadows.
The teenager was forced to miss the 2023 Australian Open due to injury but announced a triumphant return to the elite scene with a title win over Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells on Sunday. But while Djokovic and Nadal may drive his own ambitions for such success, he's not interested in taking any gloss away from his peers.
"I want to beat Nadal and Djokovic, but I am not here to take any Grand Slams away from them or prevent either of them from being the best of all time," added the youngster. "I am just trying to write my own history.
"I want to win Slams. I am ambitious, and my goals are big, I'm not going to lie. My dream is to be one of the best in history, to try to get somehow close to them. I know it will be very complicated - maybe even impossible - but in this world you have to think big and dream big. In the end, that is my dream today."
Talent and humility is a potent concoction in such considerable quantities, and all the early signs suggest Alcaraz isn't lacking in either department. The Murcian is on the fast track to becoming an inspiration for others despite his young age, though the threat of a generational gem could in turn spur his elders on themselves.
