“Hopefully I’ll reach the 24, but…” Carlos Alcaraz opens up about chasing Novak Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam record

Carlos Alcaraz has Novak Djokovic in his sights, following his first French Open triumph.

“Hopefully I’ll reach the 24, but…” Carlos Alcaraz opens up about chasing Novak Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam record

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic (Via IMAGO)

World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz secured his third Grand Slam title by winning Roland Garros on Sunday, defeating Alexander Zverev in the final with scores of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. The Spaniard has now surpassed Novak Djokovic in the ATP Rankings.

However, it appears that Alcaraz aims to outshine Djokovic not only in rankings but also in other aspects. During the press conference, he was questioned about the possibility of surpassing Djokovic’s Grand Slam tally.

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Well, I talked to Juan Carlos yesterday. Before facing this final, he told me, you're going to fight for your third Grand Slam title, with everything you have been through, and you know the difficult part of winning a Grand Slam, and Djoko has 24. So it is unbelievable.
Carlos Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference
Right now I can't think about it. I just want to keep going, and let's see how many Grand Slams I'm gonna take at the end of my career. Hopefully reach the 24, but right now I'm going to enjoy my third one, and let's see in the future (smiling).
Carlos Alcaraz added

Currently, Djokovic’s 24 Grand Slam titles seem like a daunting figure, especially considering Alcaraz has only three. However, at the age of 21, Alcaraz already has more Grand Slam titles than Djokovic did at the same age, who only had the 2008 Australian Open.

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Additionally, Djokovic faced formidable opponents in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during what is arguably considered the greatest era of tennis. While Jannik Sinner has shown significant potential, he is currently not on the same level as the two tennis greats. Therefore, Alcaraz might see an opportunity to stake his claim in the future.

Carlos Alcaraz receives tribute from Alexander Zverev in the Roland Garros trophy ceremony

Carlos Alcaraz has made history by becoming the youngest man, at the age of 21, to win a Grand Slam on all three surfaces. This achievement puts him in the esteemed company of tennis legends such as Jimmy Connors, Mats Wilander, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz (Via Imago)
Congratulations to Carlos, third Grand Slam at 21 years old; you're already a hall of famer, you've achieved so much, and you're only 21 years old.
Alexander Zverev said

During the presentation ceremony, Alexander Zverev remained seated while Alcaraz interacted with his team and watched montages of his victory and the remarkable achievements of Bjorn Borg, which were displayed on the large screens of Philippe-Chatrier.

Borg, a tennis icon himself, was part of the trophy presentation alongside Zverev. The playing of the Spanish national anthem at Roland Garros is a familiar occurrence, and it resonated once again as Alcaraz was crowned champion. In his victory speech, the Spaniard expressed gratitude to his team for their dedicated efforts in preparing him for the French Open, especially considering his recovery from a right arm injury.

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