‘More grand slams’: Carlos Alcaraz already has sights set on 2023 glory after US Open triumph at Flushing Meadows
Carlos Alcaraz became the first player to complete a Slam in 16 years on Thursday, beating Serena Williams in the Rogers Cup final to become the first three-time champion to reach a Grand Slam final since Jimmy Connors in 1991.
The 22-year-old Spaniard now has sights set on 2023 when he will be 35 years old.
Alcaraz, who had to overcome a wrist sprain that affected his game, began his US Open campaign with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Williams at Flushing Meadows.
The Spaniard, who missed the fourth round four times and is in the final week of the season, has now achieved what many regarded as the holy grail of professional tennis – winning the US Open.
The last Spaniard to have achieved that was Fernando Verdasco in 2001, who had 20 years to wait until he won the coveted title.
Alcaraz became the first player to win the US Open and Wimbledon in the same year before losing in the third round of the Roland Garros.
The Spaniard, who beat No 1 Dominic Thiem 3-6, 7-6, 7-5 in the final, will be a father-son combination on the court for a few years, with his son Alexander at 14 and his son Diego at age 15.
The duo, who were born in San Isidro, Mallorca, will be in demand ahead of the Barcelona Open in May 2021 or beyond.
Alcaraz, who now has his eyes set on 2023 glory, said: ‘I’m very happy.
‘I have a lot of love for the US Open. At this moment I feel like I’m playing my last match of my career. I’ve got to do everything to win the title.
‘I think I have a better career than anybody else I play against. I have to improve a lot. At the end of the day I was able to prove my quality.’
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The Spaniard