Carlos Alcaraz, the world quantity two and favourite to win the Rio Open, sat down for an interview with MARCA on Monday after an extended day visiting the governor of Rio de Janeiro on the Palacio das Laranjeiras.
Query: How far are you out of your finest degree?
Reply: I do not assume I am far-off, however I nonetheless have to achieve that degree that I’ve already proven on many events, each in tennis and confidence, understanding methods to handle sure moments.
Q: What’s Jannik Sinner doing proper to win 5 titles in 4 and a half months?
A: I’ve at all times stated that there isn’t any secret. He has labored very laborious and it exhibits. In each event he’s very centered on the issues he has to do, he’s a tough employee. I stated it with Juan Carlos [Ferrero] many occasions once we see him. If I examine him with the Sinner of earlier than, he has modified to [become] knowledgeable. Earlier than he was [a professional], however now he’s much more so, working daily and having issues clear. The day-to-day work pays off and that’s what has occurred with Jannik, and I’m glad for him and his workforce.
Q: Would you prefer to play with Rafa Nadal once more earlier than he retires? At Roland Garros, for instance?
A: In fact I wish to, wherever it’s. I wish to face him once more, to compete in opposition to him, that head to head on the court docket… I wish to expertise it one or two extra occasions. As many as attainable. It might be unbelievable to have the ability to play him once more.
Q: You commented on Saturday, after shedding the semifinal of Buenos Aires to Nicolas Jarry, the defeat harm you. Which match that you just misplaced harm you probably the most?
A: There have been a number of defeats which have harm me, like these of Zverev and Djokovic within the ATP Finals and the final certainly one of Jarry in Buenos Aires.
Q: The final time you cried over a defeat?
A: I am unsure, however I’d say after shedding within the semifinals of the ATP Finals in Turin in opposition to Djokovic.
Q: Rafael Nadal commented final week in an interview that Novak Djokovic is one of the best in historical past. Is the GOAT debate over?
A: Everybody has their very own notion of issues. For some it’s Djokovic one of the best, for others it’s Rafa, for others it’s Federer. Rafa stated that it’s Djokovic on the degree of numbers and I additionally assume so. On the degree of numbers, Djokovic is one of the best in historical past, there isn’t any doubt about that. I believe to say who’s one of the best is one thing that goes past the numbers. All three are there and for me all three are one of the best.
