Carlos Alcaraz reached the fourth round at the US Open 2023, beating Daniel Evans with the score of 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-3, conceding something in the third set but then resuming the path in the fourth set.
In the next round, the world number one will face Matteo Arnaldi, with a view to the possible quarter-finals against another Italian, Jannik Sinner.
At the press conference, Alcaraz said he was happy with his form, adding praise to Novak Djokovic. And this praise underlines once again a characteristic that shows how mature the young Spanish champion is.
Unlike the eccentric behavior of many of his colleagues, Carlitos has an innate quality compared to many young sportsmen: humility and respect. Not everyone can handle emotions like the Spanish.
Even if he beat Nole at Wimbledon, even if he has already won 2 Slams and many tournaments at the age of 20, Alcaraz still knows where his position is in the tennis firmament compared to Djokovic’s. A pinch of arrogance is good for young people, but it shouldn’t go too far, and Carlos is a Master in this too.
Alcaraz: “I want to win but at the same time have fun”
The 2003 Spaniard commented on Djokovic’s comeback against Djere: “I watched the first two sets, then I had to go to sleep. But, when I went to bed, I thought that Novak would come back, that’s for sure. He showed once again a time to be one of the best in history.
He came from two sets to zero, I think I saw him six, seven times. So it’s something crazy. Playing at 36 and doing the same things as when he was 20 is incredible. We have to acknowledge that, and that’s something I admire.”
Alcaraz then explained that he felt good and was satisfied with the game put in place so far at the American Slam: “I think I play at a good level. I feel very, very good on the pitch, at ease. I always say that I can improve , but at the moment I’m very, very happy with the level of play I’m reaching.”
The young Spanish champion was then asked if the need to entertain sometimes clashes in his head with the desire to win: “Sometimes. I mean, obviously I want to win every game I play, but at the same time I want to have fun, try things diverse, to entertain people who watch tennis, who watch my matches. Sometimes I wonder what is more important: whether to win or to do great things! Of course, winning matches is always the most important thing.”