World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz stated after his Monte Carlo victory that he is no longer focused on rankings.
– How important is it for you to become world No. 2 again? There`s a high probability that you and Jannik will be the top two seeds at Roland Garros. Do you think tennis and fans need a major final between you and Jannik?
– Over the last couple of months, I`ve realized that I shouldn`t think about anything other than enjoying myself on the court.
I`ve come to understand that I just need to enjoy it. That`s why I no longer think about the ranking. I just continue to do what I love, what makes me happy. And that is to go out on the court, show good tennis – and that`s it.
If I win, great, if I don`t, I`ll learn and just keep doing what brings me joy. So the ranking is no longer a priority – we`ll see what happens in the coming month leading up to Roland Garros.
People probably want Jannik and me in the final. So we`ll see.
– The trophy suits you. This is your best start to the European clay season. Tell us about your plans to manage expectations before Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, to stay focused and not listen to those who expect a lot from you right now?
– Yes, as I said, I`m sure there will be difficult months ahead because, as you mentioned, many people have high hopes for me, expecting a great clay season. Maybe they want me to win almost every tournament, so dealing with that will be tough.
But over the last month, I`ve realized that I should think about myself. About myself and my people – my team, family, friends, close friends. No matter what happens on the court, whether I win or lose, I have to leave the court happy. I`m proud of everything I`ve done. That`s what I`ve learned, and it seems this week I did just that – and it paid off.
In the next couple of months of the clay season, I will try to continue in the same spirit as I approached this tournament, and not think about what they say about expectations. I will only listen to my loved ones and my team, to what they tell me – that`s the only thing that matters to me. I will try to approach the clay season in exactly this way.
– I know you don`t like being compared to Rafa, but 20 years ago he won his first of 11 titles here. We know that due to the transition from one surface to another it is very difficult to win here, but would you like to win this tournament multiple times?
– I would like to win it more than once. 11 times… it`s impossible to think about it (smiles). My team and I have talked several times about what Rafa has achieved on clay. His records on this surface are something greatest not only in tennis, but in all sports. To win the same tournament 11 or 14 times… it`s impossible to repeat.
I just won my first one. Of course, I want to continue in the same spirit, we`ll see how many I can win. If I limit myself to just one, I will be more than happy. If I don`t win any more – it`s not scary, but I will try to win. I`m only 21, we`ll see how everything turns out next. Hopefully, everything will be fine, and I will play here for another 10-15 years. Let`s see if I can win at least one more trophy (smiles). For now, I just want to enjoy this moment, – Alcaraz said at a press conference.
Marcus Prine