After his victory at Monte Carlo, Carlos Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, stated that he is no longer focused on his ranking.
Asked about the importance of regaining the world No. 2 spot and the possibility of facing Jannik Sinner in a major final, Alcaraz explained his shift in mindset. `Over the past couple of months, I`ve realized that I shouldn`t think about anything other than enjoying myself on the court,` he said. `I understood that I just need to enjoy it. That`s why I don`t think about the ranking anymore. I just keep doing what I love, what makes me happy – going out on the court, showing good tennis, and that’s it.` He added, `If I win, great, if I don`t, I will learn and just continue doing what brings me joy. So, the ranking is no longer a priority – we`ll see what happens in the next month before Roland Garros. Probably people want to see me and Jannik in the final. So, we`ll see.`
Regarding expectations for the European clay season and how he plans to manage pressure ahead of Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros, Alcaraz acknowledged the challenge. `Yes, as I said, I`m sure it will be tough months because, as you mentioned, many people have high hopes for me, expect a great clay season. Maybe they want me to win almost every tournament, so dealing with that will be difficult.` However, he emphasized a change in focus: `But in the last month, I realized that I have to think about myself. About myself and my people – my team, family, friends, close friends. No matter what happens on the court, whether I won or lost, I have to leave the court happy. I`m proud of everything I did. This is what I learned, and it seems that this week I did just that – and it paid off.` He concluded, `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 listen only to my close 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 exactly like that.`
When asked about comparisons to Rafael Nadal and his desire to win Monte Carlo multiple times, Alcaraz responded, `I would like to win it more than once. 11 times… it`s impossible to think about it (smiles). We talked with the team several times about what Rafa achieved on clay. His records on this surface are something greatest not only in tennis but in all sports. Winning the same tournament 11 or 14 times… it`s impossible to repeat.` He continued, `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 am limited to just one, I will be more than happy. If I don`t win more, it`s not scary, but I will try to win. I`m only 21, let`s see how everything unfolds further. 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 the press conference.”
