NO AMBASSADOR PRESSURE

Alcaraz not bothered with replacing Federer, Nadal as tennis' spokesman

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Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during his 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2 victory over Yannick Hanfmann of Germany in the Australian Open second round on Jan 21. PHOTO: AFP

(AFP)

Six-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz said on Jan 21 he feels no responsibility to be a “good ambassador” for tennis, in the way that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were before him.

The world No. 1, who booked his place in the Australian Open third round with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-2 victory over Yannick Hanfmann of Germany, has become one of the sport’s most bankable stars.

But the 22-year-old said he felt no extra pressure to be a spokesman for the sport.

“Not really. I don’t think about it, being a good ambassador for tennis,” he said.

“But obviously, at the same time, the way that I play, I said many times, sometimes it’s just trying to entertain the people, trying to engage people to watch more tennis.

“But I’m not thinking that I have to be the best ambassador possible to tennis. Just stepping on the court, I’m doing what I love to do, just playing tennis.

“It’s just about loving what you’re doing and enjoying every single second you step on the court.”