Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two and favorite to win the Rio Open, sat down for an interview with MARCA on Monday after a long day visiting the governor of Rio de Janeiro at the Palacio das Laranjeiras.
Answer: I don’t think I’m far away, but I still have to reach that level that I have already shown on many occasions, both in tennis and confidence, knowing how to manage certain moments.
Q: What is Jannik Sinner doing right to win five titles in four and a half months?
A: I have always said that there is no secret. He has worked very hard and it shows. In every tournament he is very focused on the things he has to do, he is a hard worker. I said it with Juan Carlos [Ferrero] many times when we see him. If I compare him with the Sinner of before, he has changed to [become] a professional. Before he was [a professional], but now he is even more so, working every day and having things clear. The day-to-day work pays off and that is what has happened with Jannik, and I am happy for him and his team.
Q: Would you like to play with Rafa Nadal again before he retires? At Roland Garros, for example?
A: Of course I would like to, wherever it is. I would like to face him again, to compete against him, that face to face on the court… I would like to experience it one or two more times. As many as possible. It would be incredible to be able to play him again.
Q: You commented on Saturday, after losing the semifinal of Buenos Aires to Nicolas Jarry, the defeat hurt you. Which match that you lost hurt you the most?
A: There have been several defeats that have hurt me, like those of Zverev and Djokovic in the ATP Finals and the last one of Jarry in Buenos Aires.
Q: The last time you cried over a defeat?
A: I’m not sure, but I would say after losing in the semifinals of the ATP Finals in Turin against Djokovic.
Q: Rafael Nadal commented last week in an interview that Novak Djokovic is the best in history. Is the GOAT debate over?
A: Everyone has their own perception of things. For some it is Djokovic the best, for others it is Rafa, for others it is Federer. Rafa said that it is Djokovic at the level of numbers and I also think so. At the level of numbers, Djokovic is the best in history, there is no doubt about that. I think to say who is the best is something that goes beyond the numbers. All three are there and for me all three are the best.
