"I wish some days to be someone not recognized at all": Alcaraz on dealing with stardom and pressure ahead of 2023 US Open title tilt

Spain’s young tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that sometimes he just wants to live the life of a normal guy.

The 20-year-old is now the talk of the town after winning Wimbledon 2023 last month following his victory in a memorably five-set thrilling final against the current world number two Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic with a score of 1–6, 7–6(8–6), 6–1, 3–6, 6–4.

Talking about the life of a Grand Slam winner, Alcaraz stated that there are days when he does not want to be recognised.

"Sometimes I like it; sometimes no," he said. "Sometimes you want to feel like a normal guy, to walk normally. Here in New York, there are a lot of Spanish people, South American people as well. It's difficult for me to walk normally sometimes.

"Yeah, I wish some days to be someone not recognized at all. But it's going to be impossible," he continued. "I have to enjoy that part as well. But sometimes it makes difficult."

Alcaraz will be coming to the US Open on the back of suffering a reality check as he was defeated by none other than the 23-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic in the final of the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open) with a score of 5-7, 7-6, 7-6.

However, the current world number one will be hoping to keep his focus on defending his crown in the mega-event as he won the title last year after beating Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final with a score of 6–4, 2–6, 7–6(7–1), 6–3.

The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year is set to begin on Monday where players from all over the world will showcase their talent and fight to claim the ultimate glory.