“It’s Djokovic’s records that interest me” – Alcaraz breaks Borg’s record, but has sights set higher

Carlos Alcaraz is in the round of 16 of the Australian Open after opponent Juncheng Shang retired in their third-round encounter after two sets

Carlos Alcaraz at Australian Open 2024 © Virginie Bouyer / Panoramic

Jérémy Baudu

January 20, 2024

Australian Open •Third round • completed

See draw

J. ShangvsC. Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic is the name on everyone’s lips right now, especially among young players. Before the start of the season, Holger Rune explained that he wanted to stop the hegemony of the current world No 1. Carlos Alcaraz said in another interview that he was there to prevent the Serb from making the calendar Grand Slam in 2024.

During media day, before the start of the Australian Open, the Spaniard also expressed his desire to meet Novak Djokovic in the final of the first Grand Slam of the season on Sunday 28 January.

And while he broke Björn Borg’s record on Saturday by beating him as the youngest player in the Open era to reach the knockout stages in seven consecutive Grand Slams, Alcaraz didn’t put too much significance on it. What interests him are the records of a certain Serbian player by the name of Djokovic.

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2023 – ©Chryslène Caillaud / Panoramic

“I try not to give it importance because the records I want to break are the ones that Novak (Djokovic) is breaking. These are the goals I have set for my career. Taking them away from legends like Borg is always a good thing, but if you put too much value on them, it can work against you,” Alcaraz said after his win over Juncheng Shang on Saturday.

I THINK I’M GETTING BETTER EVERY DAY
Carlos Alcaraz

After a controlled first round against Richard Gasquet (7-6, 6-1, 6-2) and a fairly tight second round against Lorenzo Sonego (6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6), the world No 2 took advantage of Juncheng Shang’s retirement to reach the second week of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.

In a press conference, Alcaraz was asked to judge his level since the start of the year’s opening major. The 20-year-old explained that he feels very good on the court and is happy with his current level.

“I feel good. Probably 7, 8 out of 10. That’s a high rating. But that’s how I feel, I don’t know what it is. I think I’m getting better every day. Every game I feel better and better.

“I’m moving well, I’m hitting the ball hard and, of course, I’m getting used to this court. I haven’t played much on this court (Rod Laver Arena). I think it’s all good. I take good things from this court, from the level I’m playing. Hopefully it will get better and better.”

The reigning Wimbledon champion next faces Miomir Kecmanovic in the round of 16, as he attempts to qualify for a seventh Grand Slam quarter-final.