“I have a special feeling to this tournament,” Carlos Alcaraz describes how winning Roland Garros one day is something very close to his heart

Carlos Alcaraz wishes to get into the list of elite Spanish players who have conquered the Parisian clay.

“I have a special feeling to this tournament,” Carlos Alcaraz describes how winning Roland Garros one day is something very close to his heart

Carlos Alcaraz (Via Imago)

Carlos Alcaraz has reached the first French Open final of his career, thereby becoming the youngest player ever to reach a Grand Slam final on all three surfaces. He did so by defeating Jannik Sinner in a thrilling five-set encounter on Chatrier. 

He now has a chance to lift his third Grand Slam trophy on Sunday and explained what that means to him in the press conference that followed the semifinal match. Alcaraz was asked what the French Open meant to him in general and if he remembered watching it as a kid. He recalled how as a kid, he used to run to the TV after school to watch the French Open matches

Well, I have a special feeling to this tournament, because I remember when I finished school I'm running to my home just to put the TV on and watch the matches here in the French Open.
Carlos Alcaraz told the press.

He was also asked if he admired his idol Rafael Nadal dominating the tournament. The French Open has been won by many Spaniards in the past, Nadal being the most notable one, and Alcaraz wishes to be on this list. He recalled all the Spanish greats who have won this tournament and wants to be the latest Spaniard to do so.

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I watched a lot of matches. Of course Rafa Nadal dominating this tournament for, let's say, 14, 15 years. It's something unbelievable. I wanted to put my name on that list of the Spanish players who won this tournament. Not only Rafa. Ferrero, Moya, Costa, a lot of Spanish players, legends from our sport that won this tournament, I really wanted to put my name on that list, as well.
Alcaraz said.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, who is Alcaraz’s coach, had won the tournament in 2003 and Alcaraz made sure to highlight his coach’s achievement along with the achievements of his other compatriots.

Carlos Alcaraz says he has always wanted to be the best on every surface like his idols, the big three

Carlos Alcaraz opens up about the need for further improvements in his game as he calls the 'Big Three' crack because of their immense skill.
Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (image via: Britannica, Parade, Lab smash)

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest player ever to reach the final of a Grand Slam on all three surfaces and will also be the youngest to win a Slam on all the surfaces, provided he goes all the way in Paris. 

In a press conference, he was asked if he feels equally comfortable on all surfaces or if he has a preference, which he responded to with a great answer. He said he does not have a preference but his game is more suited for clay. He also mentioned that despite having more experience on clay courts, he feels at home on hard courts as well.

Well, I always wanted to be one of the best players in the world. If I want to be, you know, one of the best players in the world, I have to be a good player in every surface, like, Roger did, Novak, Rafa, Murray. The best players in the world had success in every surface. So I consider myself a player who adapts very well to his style in every surface. And, well, I grew up playing on clay but I feel more comfortable playing on hard court, for example
Alcaraz added.

He is dedicated to replicating the successes of the big three on all surfaces and is taking strides in the right direction as indicated by his results. He will face Alexander Zverev in the French Open final.

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