“I think I’m ready to do it” – Alcaraz aiming for rare Roland-Garros/Wimbledon double

The Spaniard is hoping to become just the sixth man in history to win both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in the same season

Carlos Alcaraz after winning Wimbledon in 2023 (Action Plus/Panoramic)

Jamie Malachy

June 29, 2024

Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

These are the only men to have won both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in the same season. Aiming to join this illustrious group is Carlos Alcaraz, who returns to the site of one of his greatest triumphs as the reigning Wimbledon and Roland-Garros champion.

If he is to complete the clay and grass-court Grand Slam double in the same year, however, Alcaraz will have to successfully defend his crown at SW19.

“Well, winning Grand Slams is difficult,” was the Spaniard’s response when asked about the possibility of winning both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.

“Obviously changing from clay to a grass court, totally different surfaces, totally different game of play. Let’s say I’m going to try.

“Obviously I want to put my name on that short-list to win Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year. I know that there’s going to be really difficult and a big challenge for me, but I think I’m ready to do it.

“As I said, I’m doing a great work these last weeks just to get ready, just to feel comfortable to play Wimbledon here in my 100%.”

alcaraz relishing prospect of representing spain at paris 2024

On the topic of changing surfaces, this year is unique in that the players are switching from clay to grass then back to clay again for the Olympics, which takes place on the clay courts of Roland-Garros.

This has led to a number of high-profile players pulling out of either the Olympics or, as is Nadal’s case, Wimbledon.

But for Alcaraz, his priorities are already set in stone.

“Well, it’s not easy to change surfaces in just a week, but I’m 100% sure that I’m going to play the Olympics,” he said.

“For me it is an amazing event, amazing tournament. It’s going to be my first one, so I really wanted to live that experience to be in Olympic Games.

“I’m going to go there and give my 100% for my country. Then, of course, is a really short period that we have when the Olympic Games is finished until Toronto, Montreal. I have to think about it.

“But I’m sure 100% is that I’m going to go.”