Carlos Alcaraz claims Rafael Nadal’s 14 titles at French Open is the toughest record to break, has his sights on breaking Novak Djokovic’s World No. 1 streak

Carlos Alcaraz recently suffered a shocking 3-6, 4-6 defeat against Roman Safiullin in the round of 32 of the 2023 Paris Masters.

Carlos Alcaraz claims Rafael Nadal’s 14 titles at French Open is the toughest record to break, has his sights on breaking Novak Djokovic’s World No. 1 streak

Carlos Alcaraz (L), Rafael Nadal (R), Novak Djokovic (R) (Sources: Marca, Olympics, Novak Djokovic)

Carlos Alcaraz recently termed Rafael Nadal’s record of 14 titles at the French Open as the toughest to break in a recent interview. He also reiterated his wish of becoming the year-end World No. 1 by replacing Novak Djokovic, although he is aware of the fact that it will be very difficult now after his performance in the Paris Masters 2023. 

I think the most complicated thing is to win the same Slam many times, as Rafa did at Roland Garros: fourteen times! 
Alcaraz to Stefano Semeraro for La Stampa
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The Spaniard dropped a disappointing performance in the 2023 Paris Masters. He was the second seed in the tournament and hands down one of the favorites to win the tournament. However, against all odds, Alcaraz lost to Roman Safiullin in his very first match of the tournament in the round of 32 and got knocked out.

This was a major blow to his hopes of becoming the year-end World No. 1 as it would now depend on the performance of Djokovic in the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals. Besides that, the Spaniard would have to attempt to win the ATP Finals. 

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As for me, I would like to exceed the number of weeks as number one. Even maintaining the same level of excellence for so many years is a huge undertaking. In life, as on the pitch, not being able to improve. Knowing that I'm doing something wrong and not being able to change the situation. For me, it's the most frustrating thing. 

Carlos Alcaraz believes ‘Nothing is Impossible’

Alcaraz said that he will continue to aim at becoming the year-end World No. 1 and break Novak Djokovic’s streak next year, if not in 2023. The youngster reminded that nothing is impossible and that eventually someone will come who will beat these records. Praising the Big-3, Alcaraz said that they have changed the way fans look at tennis. 

Nothing is impossible. Everything can be improved in life. ---Those three greats certainly changed the way we look at tennis, both for spectators and for us players. Having them as a reference is positive for everyone.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz (Source: Forbes)

Alcaraz’s performance has taken a major dip ever since his loss in the 2023 US Open semifinals against Daniil Medvedev. He performed poorly in all the tournaments after that and will now look to make amends in the 2023 ATP Finals. 

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