After defeating Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final on Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz praised the Serbian as “amazing” and “inspirational” and vowed not to lose his All England Club card like Roger Federer once he joins.
Only Boris Becker and Bjorn Borg were younger than 20-year-old Alcaraz when he won his first men’s singles Wimbledon championship.
The Spanish No. 1 player is also the first since Pete Sampras in 1994 to win the Championships title by defeating three players ranked in the top 10 in the world.
Alcaraz, the second player to defeat Djokovic in a five-set Grand Slam final after Andy Murray at the US Open 11 years ago, paid tribute to the 23-time major champion after ending his remarkable 45-match winning run on Centre Court.
‘I have to congratulate Novak, it was amazing to play against him,’ Alcaraz said. ‘You inspire me a lot. I started playing tennis watching you.
‘Since I was born you were already winning tournaments. You said 36 is the new 26 and you make that happen. It’s amazing.’
Alcaraz is the third youngest player in the last 40 years to win 6+ titles in a single season, older only than Andre Agassi in 1988 and Rafael Nadal in 2005.
Speaking more generally about his historic triumph in SW19, Alcaraz added: ‘It’s a dream come true for me. I said before it would be so good to win but even if would have lost I would be really proud of myself.
‘Making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of the sport. It’s a dream come true.
‘It was unbelievable to play in these stages. It’s amazing for a boy – 20 years-old – I didn’t expect to reach this situation really fast. I am really proud of myself, I am really proud for the team and the work we put in every day to be able to lift this.
‘After the first set I thought ‘Carlos, increase the level. Everyone would be disappointed’ – [but] I fall in love with grass right now!
‘It’s amazing. I didn’t expect to play in this level in a really short period.
‘I have played just four tournaments on grass, I won Queen’s.
‘It’s a dream come true. I am happy with the work we were doing, coming into the grass season. I learn really fast and I am really proud.’
Quizzed about becoming a member of the All England Club, Alcaraz said: ‘It’s very special for me. I have to bring the card.
‘I know Roger Federer had trouble getting in without the card! It’s really special to be a member of this amazing club, really iconic. I will come for sure.’