"I want to be like them": Alcaraz sets ambition to be like top players and handle nerves

Carlos Alcaraz talked about how to handle nerves after his victory over Alexander Zverev at the Madrid Open.

The world No. 2 demonstrated once again that he is almost unbeatable in 2023 and improved his record this year to 26-2 with a victory over the German. The Spanish player's win took him to the semifinals, where he will face Russian Karen Khachanov, who defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets.

The former US Open champion dominated Alexander Zverev from the start of the match and defeated him convincingly by 6-1, 6-2 without conceding any break opportunities. After the match, Alcaraz spoke about the confidence the comfortable victory over the German gave him.

“It’s amazing to play the level I played today… This match gives me a lot of confidence,” said former world No. 1.

“I felt a little nervous at the start, but you have to handle the nerves. The best players in the world handle the nerves. I want to be like them,” he added.

The Spanish player aims to defend the Madrid Open title he won in 2022 to stay close to Novak Djokovic, who will remain the world No. 1 for the time being.