World number 7 Carlos Alcaraz says winning his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon would be a dream as he still vividly remembers the 2008 Wimbledon final between his idol Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Alcaraz, 19, is having an exceptional season as he has won two Masters this year and is now part of the top 10 players. Alcaraz failed to win his maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open, but he will have another shot at winning a major in two weeks at Wimbledon.
“Of course, I see that as a possibility. In the end, this is the dream that I pursue and work for every day,” Alcaraz said.
Alcaraz on the historic Wimbledon final between Nadal and Federer.
Nadal and Federer had a match for posterity when they met in the Wimbledon final in 2008.
Back then, Nadal dominated on clay, while Federer prevailed on grass. After losing to Federer in two consecutive Wimbledon finals (2006, 2007), Nadal beat the Swiss in the 2008 Wimbledon final 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-2.
“Everyone remembers the 2008 final between Nadal and Federer. It is considered one of the best games in history and it was spectacular. Rafa has won historic matches at Wimbledon several times, and I say to myself: ‘I would like to be there to play these kinds of matches,’” Alcaraz said.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is in Spain preparing for Wimbledon. Alcaraz was due to start his grass season this week at the Queen’s Club, but he pulled out of the tournament. “I don’t have much experience on grass, but I felt comfortable at Wimbledon in 2021.
I’m going there to try to win the tournament, like every event I take part in,” said Alcaraz. Alcaraz is set to make his second appearance at Wimbledon. On his Wimbledon debut last year, Alcaraz defeated Yasutaka Uchiyama in the first round, before losing to Daniil Medvedev in the second round.
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