CHINA OPEN

September 27, 2023

Carlos Alcaraz

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the press conference of Carlos Alcaraz.

Carlos, how is your first debut here in Beijing? How is the preparation going so far for you?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Well, have quality practice at home before coming here, played some sets with players from the academy that are playing great. I'm feeling great coming here.

I had my first practice yesterday at the center court. It was amazing to get in and step on the court, you know, see how is be playing in that court.

I receive the love from the people here, in the practice, and of course in the hotel, as well. I'm really, really excited to play here in Beijing.

THE MODERATOR: Questions from the floor.

Q. Carlos, just looking through to the end of the season, noticing you're only a few hundred points behind Novak Djokovic in the Race to Turin, is that providing any extra motivation as you move into this tournament in Beijing? A couple of good performances in Beijing and Shanghai, you could be going into Turin in the No. 1 spot. Is that providing any more impetus for you as we move into this tournament?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Yes, of course. As I said few times, we have really beautiful battle for the No. 1 spot after the great performance Djokovic had in the American season, let's say. He's the No. 1 right now.

I'm coming here with, as you said, extra motivation to try to recover it in the Race, of course, in the ranking. As I said, it's something that I have in my mind every time that I practice, in every tournament.

Is not obligatory for me to recover that, but of course you have to put the goals in the year. So for me No. 1 spot is one of the main goals for me.

In these great tournaments, I'm looking to do great to be able to be close or recover that number.

Q. You've been praised by so many legends of the game, that you are the one to carry tennis forward. How do you feel about that? Do you feel you have constant pressure? How do you feel about this pressure?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Well, I don't feel that pressure. For me is great to be surrounded by legends and hear good words from them. But I try not to take as important as it is. It's just be happy to hear that and try to simulate it on the court, you know, my joy.

It's something great for me, but I try not to listen it too much.

Q. This is first time in China. You have lots of Chinese fans now. Do you have anything to say to your fans?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: I mean, first time here. As I said, just had my first practice. It wasn't too many people on the court, but it was great to see a few of them. Of course, when I arrive at the hotel, they were waiting for me. It's great.

Of course, so many people from here told me that they have a lot of fans here. I'm just really, really happy to have them here, be able to play in front of them for the first time. I'm really excited about it. Let's see how is going to be.

But I'm so, so happy about that.

Q. This is your first time to China, but your coach Juan Carlos Ferrero has already been here, competed in the first China Open in 2004. Did he say anything about this tournament?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Yeah, he told me a little bit about this tournament. Of course, since 2004 until now the tournament has improved a lot. It is almost a different tournament. But he told me great things about this tournament. He played great that years that he has played here. Yeah, he told me that he enjoyed a lot playing here.

I hopefully to feel the same way that he felt when he was playing. But, yeah, he told me it's a great tournament.

Q. Carlos, you won the Wimbledon championship, played Roland Garros and New York, but missed the Australian Open. What is your ambition for the next year? Are you satisfied with your performance this year?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: If I'm upset or...

Q. Are you satisfied about this year and are you looking forward to next year?

CARLOS ALCARAZ: Well, next year I'm looking for playing the four Grand Slams. I hope to not miss any of them. I will try to do the same things that I'm doing this year. I could be more than happy if I won the same tournaments that I won so far of the results that I'm doing this year. That's my goal to next year. That's obviously.

Right now I'm really happy with the level I'm playing, with the result I receive so far. The year is not over. There is few tournaments ahead. So hopefully to end that year as good as it started.