Carlos Alcaraz has proclaimed that he wants to “sit at the same table” as the Big Three of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
The Spanish star reaffirmed his lofty ambitions by declaring that he wants to be one of the best players in the history of tennis as he seeks to defend his Wimbledon crown.
Since establishing himself as a major force, Alcaraz has repeatedly expressed his goal to reach Djokovic’s staggering total of 24 Grand Slam titles, among other records.
At Wimbledon, Alcaraz is looking to successfully defend a Major for the first time in his career after he overcame Djokovic in an epic five-set final in 2023.
The 21-year-old, who is currently ranked third, is a three-time Grand Slam champion, having also triumphed at the US Open in 2022 and the French Open last month.
Alcaraz defeated 269th-ranked Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-2 in the first match of his title defence on Monday. He will take on world No 69 Aleksandar Vukic in the second round today.
In an interview with CNN Sport in London, Alcaraz opened up on his intention to match the Big Three and his rapid ascent.
“I want to be one of the best in history. I am dreaming that big,” the former world No 1 said. “I want to sit [at] the same table as the ‘Big Three’, legends of our sports.
“(On whether he is surprised by his quick rise) Sometimes. Honestly, I don’t think too much about it. I just kind of live in the moment, live in the present.
“If I look back, I’ve achieved great things so far, but it’s something that I don’t want to think about and I want to keep going.”
The Spaniard also addressed how it feels to return to Wimbledon as the reigning champion.
“Obviously, it’s even more special coming [back] as a defending champion,” Alcaraz added.
“I’m trying not to think about the pressure that I have to defend the points or [that I] want to go far. I just want to be better every day, trying to play my best in every match and give 100%.
“I think that the difference [with] last year is I’m a little bit more mature and I know how to play on grass. I have more experiences about playing in this surface.
“For me, it doesn’t matter against who I’m going to play. Of course, everybody wants to watch Jannik [Sinner] against me in the semi-final or Jannik or me playing a final against Novak.
“I think that everybody is waiting for that moment, but it’s a really long process, really long run. Let’s see if I’m going to be in this position.”
