Spain's Alcaraz welcomes hype at Open

Teenaged world No.31 Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, is aiming to go deep in the Australian Open. (AAP)

Rather than shying away from huge expectations, Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz has set himself a lofty goal as he eyes a run deep into the Australian Open.

The 18-year-old, who has been dubbed the next Rafael Nadal, wants to break into the world's top 15 by the end of 2022.