Alcaraz: “It would be incredible to be able to win Roland-Garros, even once”

The Spaniard is motivated and excited ahead of the start of the European clay court season

Carlos Alcaraz at Roland-Garros 2023 Image Credit: Federico Pestellini / Panoramic

April 5, 2024

After a successful American tour which included the Indian Wells Masters title, Carlos Alcaraz is preparing for the European clay court season which will start in Monte-Carlo next week.

The Spaniard has a lot of points to defend (2,265 in total) with his titles in Barcelona and Madrid and a semi-final finish at Roland-Garros. But after getting back to winning ways in Indian Wells, Alcaraz is very confident and motivated for what promises to be an exciting season on clay.

His main goal, of course, is Roland-Garros, where he continues to improve over time. After a quarter-final in 2022 and a semi-final in 2023, the 20-year-old hopes to go further this time around, and hopefully lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires on June 9.

“Roland Garros is a super special tournament for Spaniards because of what Rafa has achieved and for me it would be amazing to be able to win it, even just once… I’m going to try,” he said at an event in Spain where he received the National Sports Award.

“I arrive on clay with a lot of desire and enthusiasm” – Alcaraz

“I’ve grown and evolved. Two years ago, I was in the quarter-finals; Last year, I played in the semi-finals; Now the goal is to go to the final or be victorious […] I arrive on clay with a lot of desire and enthusiasm.”

Carlos Alcaraz also spoke about the Paris Olympics and his possible doubles partnership with Rafael Nadal. The 2023 Wimbledon champion hopes the 22-time Grand Slam champion will be physically ready for the challenge.

“At the moment, I don’t know anything about his condition, or how he’s doing. Obviously, as a Spaniard and a tennis player, I’m worried about that,” he said. “Let’s see how he and I get there, in the end there are still four months left. Anything can happen, but I hope it can happen.”