‘Dream since I was five’

Carlos Alcaraz said emulating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovicrsquos successes seems ldquoimpossiblerdquo after winning his maiden French Open title on Sunday with victory over Alexander Zverev The 21yearold came from behind to win 63 26 57 61 62 and claim his third Grand Slam triumph Alcarazrsquos victory made him the youngest man to win Slam titles on clay grass and hard courtsPrimed to dominateWith Roger Federer retired Nadal expected to hang up his racquet this year and Djokovic having a poor season by his high standards Alcaraz could be primed to dominate the sport for years to come He is the eighth Spanish man to win the Coupe des Mousquetaires ldquoIn Roland Garros knowing all the Spanish players who have won this tournament and be able to put my name on that amazing list is something unbelievablerdquo Alcaraz told reporters ldquoSomething that I dreamt about being in this position since I was started playing tennis since I was five six years old So itrsquos a great great feelingrdquoSecondranked Alcaraz has already won three major titles five Masters 1000 tournaments and become the youngest ever World No 1 but said Sundayrsquos triumph was his proudest moment so farHe had struggled with a right arm injury in the buildup to the tournament missing both the Monte Carlo Masters and the Rome Open either side of a quarterfinal loss to Andrey Rublev in Madrid ldquoRight now lifting the Roland Garros trophy knowing everything that I have been through the last month with the injuries and all that stuff I donrsquot know Probably this onerdquo he said ldquoIrsquom really proud of myself because of everything that I have done the last month just to be ready for this tournamentrdquoWimbledon up nextAlcaraz will next turn his attentions to the grasscourt season and the defence of his Wimbledon title But he already has one eye on returning to Roland Garros next month for the Paris Olympics where he is expected to play alongside Nadal 38 in doubles ldquoWhen I come back here for the Olympics I will have flashbacks It can be very nice my first Games 40 days after winning my first Roland Garrosrdquo he said ldquoI really want to fight to give my country a medal be able to play doubles with my idol Rafa Nadal Letrsquos fight Coming back here is going to be a special feelingrdquo Alcaraz addedSinner steals No 1 spot from DjokovicJanik Sinnerrsquos anticipated rise to world No 1 was officialised on Monday when the ATP released its new rankings making him the first Italian ever to hold the top spot Sinner reached the semifinals of the French Open where he was beaten by eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz who climbs to second nudging 37yearold Djokovic who has been No 1 since last September down to thirdThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever