“Ready to win my first grand slam, ” Carlos Alcaraz sets his goal of the year after lifting the Madrid Open trophy

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain won the Madrid Open on Sunday, capping off an extraordinary week by defeating German Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-1 in 62 minutes. With the triumph, the 19-year-old extended his winning streak to ten games. Alcaraz reached the final after defeating Rafael Nadal and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, a first in a clay-court tournament, and will move up to No. 6 in the world on Monday.

Since David Nalbandian swept Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer at the 2007 Madrid Masters, Alcaraz became the first player to beat three Top-4 players in an ATP Masters 1000 event (Hardcourt). Alcaraz became the youngest player to win five ATP circuit titles with his triumph on Sunday, surpassing Rafael Nadal’s seven victories at the same age in 2004-05. In the Open Era, he is also only the sixth player to win his first five tour-level finals (since 1968).

Also Read: “I was 7 when I came here,” Carlos Alcaraz delivers an emotional speech after becoming the youngest Madrid Open champion

“I think it is a goal for me this year to get my first grand slam”- Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz used his power from the baseline to successfully attack Zverev’s forehand in a strong first-set performance. With his quickness, the 19-year-old repeatedly converted defence into attack, securing the vital break in the sixth game before serving brilliantly to take the lead. With his momentum behind him, Alcaraz continued to put his foot down in the second set, causing Zverev problems with his depth, width, and weight of shot. With his superb touch, the Spaniard swung Zverev around and returned forcefully, breaking three times in the second set on his way to triumph. Carlos Alcaraz is now 1-2 versus Alexander Zverev in their ATP Head2Head series.

In his post-match interview with Tennis Tv, Upon being asked if he thinks that he could win a Grand Slam, Alcaraz said with full confidence, “I think I am ready to win a grand slam. I think I am ready to go for it. I think it is a goal for me this year to try to get my first grand slam. I am going to work for it and let’s see what’s going to happen at Roland-Garros.”

When Carlos Alcaraz made his Madrid debut a year ago, he was ranked No. 120 in the ATP Rankings. He will ascend to a career-high No. 6 in the  ATP Rankings on Monday after winning five tour-level tournaments since then. Along with Masters 1000 championships in Miami and Madrid, the 2021 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion has titles in Umag, Rio de Janeiro, and Barcelona this year, making him the Tour’s youngest five-time champion since Rafael Nadal won seven titles at the age of 19 in 2004-05.

Also Read: List of records broken by Carlos Alcaraz after winning the 2022 Madrid Open

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz creates history, becomes the youngest player to win the Madrid Open title

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