Carlos Alcaraz Vows to Follow Roger Federer’s Advice to Have Long Career

Carlos Alcaraz is not thinking about prolonging his career because his focus is solely on the next five years. At the age of 22, Alcaraz will become a six-time Grand Slam champion if he defeats Jannik Sinner in the final of the US Open.

Before setting up the blockbuster clash with the Italian ace, Alcaraz, in the semifinal, upset Novak Djokovic, who, at the age of 38 is still challenging youngsters. But this year, thrice Djokovic lost in the Majors semifinals due to the World No.1 and World No.2.

Alcaraz finds it impressive that the Serb has maintained his level and made it to the four semifinals of this year’s Majors in spite of his age. Djokovic still wants to prolong his career as he has planned to be on the tour next year as well. His longtime rival, Roger Federer, hung up his racket at the age of 41 at the 2022 Laver Cup, and also advised Alcaraz not to focus much on what would happen when he would turn 35.

One person once told me that you don’t have to think about 35, 38 years old still playing at that age. He told me you have to be focused on the next five years, from here to when I am 27. And then, when I get 27, then think about five years more. So, it’s not about thinking in 15 or 20 years. I will try to follow his words.

Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference

Alcaraz, after improving his head-to-head record over the Belgrade native to 4-5, has also extended his winning streak to 12 matches, as before arriving at Flushing Meadows, he was handed the walkover by Sinner in the final of the Cincinnati Masters. That walkover helped the Spaniard extend his head-to-head lead to 9-5 over the first seed.

Carlos Alcaraz on his and Jannik Sinner’s improvement

Jannik Sinner has become only the fourth man in the Open Era to progress to all four finals of a Grand Slam tournament in a single season after Rod Laver, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. From this list, Sinner is the youngest to achieve this milestone.