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ALCARAZ PLAYS DOWN MATCHING RECORDS
The Straits Times
|June 11, 2024
He says it is almost impossible’ to win 14 French Open titles or 24 Major crowns
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Carlos Alcaraz said emulating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic's successes seems "impossible" after winning his maiden French Open title on June 9 with victory over Alexander Zverev.
The 21-year-old came from behind to win 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 and claim his third Grand Slam triumph.
His victory made him the youngest man to win Slam titles on clay, grass and hard courts.
With Roger Federer retired, Nadal expected to hang up his racket in 2024 and Djokovic having a poor season by his high standards, Alcaraz could be primed to dominate the sport for years to come.
Although he is already making history, he has some way to go to match Nadal's record of 14 French Open titles or Djokovic's men's best total of 24 Grand Slams.
"Both things are out of the ordinary," he admitted.
"You have to be an alien to get it.
What Rafa did with 14 is practically impossible.
"The 24 Grand Slams I hope I can but it is almost impossible. Both things are out of the ordinary...
This story is from the June 11, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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