Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first major title at the US Open 2022 and became the youngest World no.1 since Pete Sampras. After three years, the Spaniard will take part in the New York Major and would want to go all the way.
The biggest possible hurdle for Alcaraz could be Jannik Sinner, who he can meet in the final if both players continue their rich form. Sinner has won the last three Majors on the hard courts and he has been bringing his best to the tour.
Recently, Alcaraz and Sinner met each other in the Cincinnati Open final but the Italian had to withdraw because of illness.
“[Winning here] would be a great thing to do,” said Alcaraz on Saturday in his pre-tournament press conference. “The past three Grand Slams on hard courts, he won. It’s been unbelievable the tennis he’s bringing on hard courts. So I just look up to him in some way just to be ready if I have to face him somewhere.”
Alcaraz said he wants to have a good run in New York and hopefully meet Sinner in the summit clash.
“It’s going to be great. I’m just getting ready for the tournament, just to do a good result, hopefully meet him in the final. It would be a great result having a good run here,” said Alcaraz, who holds a 9-5 Lexus ATP Head2Head lead against Sinner, before he light-heartedly added: “If I beat him, much more… He has a big target, his back!”
The young Spaniard recently won his eighth ATP Masters 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open and said he has had good rest to recharge his batteries.
“It’s much different. I have more time just to have my days completely off, just to recharge my mind, my batteries,” said Alcaraz. “I had two weeks at home practising, but it was at home. So for me, it is an extra that I got those days at home, and then going to Cincinnati with more happiness, let’s say, and really wanting it, hungry to play the tournaments.
“As you could see, I was more prepared than last year. Now I’m just feeling much better. So I’m glad that I had those days. Last year everything was tighter.”
Alcaraz will take on lanky Reilly Opelka in the first round on Monday.
