Carlos Alcaraz has shunned ideas that he is like the Big Three of
Novak Djokovic,
Roger Federer and
Rafael Nadal.
World No. 1 Alcaraz shocked the tennis world at the 2023
Wimbledon final when he defeated the tournament's seven-time champion Djokovic. This victory gave the 20-year-old his second Grand Slam title following his win at the 2022 US Open.
Although there was already much attention around Alcaraz before this year's SW19, his achievements at the All England Club have proved why many see him as the next big name of men's singles tennis following the dissolution of the legendary Big Three after Federer's retirement last year.
Alcaraz wants to be himself
Speaking to Tennis Channel, the Spaniard spoke about Djokovic's positive remarks to him after the Wimbledon final, saying
"He told us that he has not played against a player like me, something that is difficult to realize. But it's crazy."
He then went on to reference the fact that many fans think he has taken a lot of inspiration from the Big Three, including Djokovic. However, Alcaraz insisted that he is his own player, saying
"I didn't take some pieces from the big three, I just try to be myself."
Nevertheless, he didn't try to say that he has not learned from the great players before him,
"probably I'm a little bit of everyone," he added.
Judging by his career so far, this seems to be the winning combination. Earlier this season, he became the second-fastest player after John McEnroe to record his 100th career win, and was the youngest man to win both legs of the Sunshine Double. He also achieved his first win on grass at the Queen's Club Championships, just weeks before his Wimbledon victory.
His next big challenge will be to defend his US Open title when the Grand Slam begins at the end of next month.