Carlos Alcaraz will not turn 21 years old until May, but he has already accomplished much in his short career. He has been ranked No. 1 on the ATP and has won two Grand Slams, part of which was beating Novak Djokovic in five sets in the 2023 Wimbledon final. One might assume that Alcaraz’s goals include getting back to No. 1 this year and winning a couple of majors. That may be true, but those are not his highest goal.
Carlos Alcaraz gave his answer while meeting the press before the Argentina Open this week. Alcaraz should have no issues winning the event. He is the top seed but his competition is not the best. No offense to Cam Norrie, but he is the second seed and is currently the No. 20 player on the ATP tour.
Alcaraz defeated Norrie in straight sets in the 2023 Argentina Open final. Both players love playing in Buenos Aires in preparation for the Masters 1000 tournaments in March and ahead of the clay court season leading up to the French Open in May. But an event that occurs after May is what interests Alcaraz the most this year.
Carlos Alcaraz might have to battle Rafael Nadal to make his dream come true
Speaking to the media in Argentina, Alcaraz was asked what tournament he wants to win more than any other this year and the Spaniard said “the Olympic title.” The summer Olympics will be held from July 26 until August 11. This is after the French Open and Wimbledon and before the US Open. Clearly, Alcaraz feels passionate about winning gold for his country.
He said, “For me, it is a dream to bring a medal to my country, to Spain, and winning gold is one of the greatest things that can happen to you in the world of sport in general. This year…I would say that I (would most hope to win) the Olympic gold. Although I would like to win both (the French Open and the Olympics), I’m not going to lie.”
Funny. And honest. Alcaraz might very well have to fend off his countryman, Rafael Nadal, for the gold medal as well. Nadal has won twice and is extremely passionate about the Olympics. In fact, even before he started his recent comeback from a hip injury in early 2023, Nadal said his goal was to play at Roland Garros in the Olympics (the 2024 summer Olympics are held in Paris, France, this year).
