"This is my main goal right now and I'm looking for that": Alcaraz wants to follow in Federer's footsteps and defend US Open title

Carlos Alcaraz spoke about following in Roger Federer's footsteps at the US Open in his quest to defend his title after defeating Dan Evans.

World No. 1 has smoothly progressed through the first three rounds at Flushing Meadows. The first-round match against Dominik Koepfer lasted less than an hour due to the German's retirement with the score at 6-2, 3-2 in favor of the Spanish sensation. In the second round, he defeated Lloyd Harris with a score of 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(4).

A tougher challenge awaited him in the form of the 26th seed, Dan Evans, who managed to steal a set from Alcaraz. However, it wasn't enough to make the defending champion yield, and the final score stood at 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. This win marked Alcaraz's tenth consecutive victory at the US Open.

Following the match, the 2-time Grand Slam champion spoke about the high level he has displayed and his aspirations to follow in Roger Federer's footsteps by successfully defending his title.

“Well of course I saw the draw and I see, you know, the opponent that I can play against, but obviously I’m focus day by day, and obviously defend thee title here it’s a goal for me, I’m looking for that,” claimed Alcaraz

“Obviously I know that the only man, or I think nobody else defend the title here since Roger Federer so I will love to be part on the tournament history with Roger defending the title,” world No. 1 said.

“As I said is my man goal right now and I’m looking for that”

Indeed, no tennis player has successfully defended their title at Flushing Meadows since Federer achieved the remarkable feat of winning the US Open five times consecutively between 2004 and 2008. This streak was interrupted in 2009 in an epic final against Juan Martin del Potro.

Since then, in addition to the Argentine, the US Open trophy has been lifted by Rafael Nadal (4 times), Novak Djokovic (3 times), Andy Murray, Marin Cilic, Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, and Daniil Medvedev, although none of them managed to win it in consecutive years.