Carlos Alcaraz, 20, says it is “crazy” knowing that he is about to be the top-seeded player at the French Open.
On Saturday, Alcaraz saw off Albert Ramos-Vinolas in his Rome Masters opener 6-4 6-1.
Going into Rome, Alcaraz knew he needed to win just one match at Foro Italico in order to secure overtaking Novak Djokovic at the top spot next Monday.
Now that Alcaraz is guaranteed to return to No 1 after Rome, he is also set to be the top-seeded player in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.
“Well, it’s great, to be No 1 seed in Roland Garros, in a Grand Slam is something crazy. I couldn’t believe it years ago, but yes, I am very happy. It doesn’t change too much to be No 1 or No 2 seed, I just focus on the tournament, on my game, on every match and that’s something that I try not to think about but of course, it’s something great, to be No 1,” Alcaraz said, per Sportskeeda.
Djokovic welcomed Alcaraz back to No 1
During his pre-tournament press conference in Rome, Djokovic spoke extremely highly of Alcaraz and said the Spaniard was deservedly about to return to the world No 1 spot.
Also, Djokovic called Alcaraz “the player to beat on this surface.”
“He [Alcaraz] has been playing some very impressive tennis. A great level. Heās the player to beat on this surface, no doubt. Of course, it depends if [Rafael] Nadal is going to play in French Open or not. But Alcaraz is one of the top favourites without any dilemma. Heās been playing fantastic tennis. We faced each other only once last year in Madrid. If we get a chance to face each other here, would be in finals. I think we would both love to play in the finals,” Djokovic said.
Going into the French Open, Alcaraz and Djokovic are considered the top favorites for the title.