At just 21, Carlos Alcaraz isn't shy about his ultimate goal - to be tennis royalty. He may have a long road ahead to match Novak Djokovic's record 24 Grand Slam titles, but his two major wins as a teenager and record-breaking rise to world number one suggest a bright future.
In a BBC interview, Alcaraz reiterated his ambition. "Absolutely, yes," he replied when asked about Djokovic's record. "I'm a driven player. It might seem nearly impossible, but I play for the love of the game and achieving greatness. I want to leave my mark on tennis history."
This French Open, played on his beloved clay courts, presents a chance for Alcaraz's first Roland Garros title. BBC Radio 5 Live explored what makes this young phenom tick.
Thinking Big: The Alcaraz Mindset
Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero sees Alcaraz's ambition as a key strength. "To be amongst the legends, you need big dreams," he said. "While breaking records is a huge challenge, we'll strive for excellence."
Early Recognition of Talent
Alcaraz's potential was evident early on. His first coach, Kiko Navarro, recognized a "special player" in a five-year-old Alcaraz. Jesus Garcia Pardo, a future pro himself, was awestruck by Alcaraz's fearlessness and talent at just 10 years old. He became Alcaraz's hitting partner, witnessing his powerful strokes.
A Team Effort Fuels Success
By 11, Alcaraz's potential caught the eye of agent Albert Molina. Four years later, Molina brought in Ferrero, the former world number one, to further develop Alcaraz's skills. Ferrero has been instrumental in nurturing Alcaraz, helping him blossom into the player he is today.
Early Achievements and Adaptability
Alcaraz's talent transcends surfaces. He secured his first major at the 2022 US Open and dominated Wimbledon last year despite limited grass court experience. "Hard courts might be his strongest right now," says Ferrero, "but clay is where he began. I believe he has the game to win Roland Garros at least once."