Wimbledon 2023: Obviously, my dream is to play a final here, even better if it’s Novak – Carlos Alcaraz

 

Tennis young sensation Carlos Alcaraz is ready to face the biggest challenge that is there in the sport. The Spaniard revealed his dream is to play in the Wimbledon final and feels it will be even better if he takes on red-hot favorite Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic recently bested Alcaraz in the semifinal of the Roland Garros en route to his 23rd Grand Slam triumph. Alcaraz has made it to the round of 16 of the ongoing championship and he will take on Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 finalist.

The Spaniard still has three more rounds to clear before he makes his way into his maiden Wimbledon final. On the other hand, Novak Djokovic is a seven-time Wimbledon champion and he is seeking his eighth crown to match Roger Federer’s tally. The Serbian had a 2-0 set lead against Hubert Hurkacz in the round of 16 match on Sunday before play was suspended.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Nicolas Jarry by 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5 to advance to the next round.

“This match gave me a lot of confidence today,” the 20-year-old said in his post-match press conference. “I feel really comfortable on that court. I feel [I have] a lot of confidence right now.”

Alcaraz admitted he doesn’t want to think too far ahead and wants to focus on the next round match.

“Not only tennis fans [and] sports fans want the final. Myself as well, honestly,” he said, before noting the long path he faces to reach that stage. “I have three rounds ahead. I’m really focussed on the next round. It’s [Matteo] Berrettini or [Alexander] Zverev. Both players have great tennis on grass.”

“It’s going to be a really tough one,” Alcaraz said, before his opponent was confirmed. “But obviously my dream is to play a final here. Even better if it’s Novak.”

The 20-year-old Spaniard added he wants to write his name in the annals of Centre Court and wants to go all the way in the coveted tournament.

“I watched a lot of videos, a lot of matches from legends playing on that beautiful court. Knowing that I’m going to be in the history, in the books, playing on that court for me is something I will never forget,” he said.

“Honestly, on the side at 40-all when I returned the forehand, I remembered the first match that Roger Federer won on that court against [Pete] Sampras, winning with a return passing shot from the forehand. I remember every time. I said to myself, ‘I want to play that return every point.’

“It’s something that for me is crazy to remember, to live that experience as well.”