Carlos Alcaraz has ‘extra motivation’ to regain the No.1 ranking from Novak Djokovic
Carlos Alcaraz has revealed his ‘extra motivation’ to take the No.1 ranking from Novak Djokovic for a third time, as he prepares to play his first grass court final at Queen’s Club.
Alcaraz beat self-proclaimed ‘one of the favourites for Wimbledon‘ Sebastian Korda, 6-3 6-4, to move into the final of the ATP 500 tournament.
The Spaniard will become No.1 for a fourth time if he beats Alex de Minaur in the final later today, and revealed how much of an ‘extra motivation’ it is for him.
“It’s an extra motivation for me,” revealed Alcaraz. “During the match, I’m not thinking about that but is an extra motivation for me to go into the final with extra energy. I’m gonna go for it.”
He continued, “Being top seed at Wimbledon, being No.1 is still a dream for me. It will be crazy to be top seed at Wimbledon.”
“I think Novak and I, we are having a beautiful fight for the No.1. I’m gonna go for it. It would be crazy for me to be the top seed in Wimbledon.”
Alcaraz struggled through his first round match in London against lucky loser Arthur Rinderknech, but has since taken the tournament by storm winning his last three matches in straight sets.
The US Open champion spoke about how his improvement on grass, claiming he feels like he has been playing on the surface for 10 years.
“I’m playing great and feeling great. I’m really happy to play my first final on grass, and even more here at Queen’s,” said Alcaraz.
The 20-year-old added, “I’m getting better, I’m feeling better every match I play. I feel like I’ve been playing for 10 years on grass, I didn’t expect that. I think I’m moving well on the grass right now. I started the week with doubts about movement, about hitting the ball.”
Alcaraz will bid to become world No.1 once again at 1:30pm (BST), as he takes on De Minaur in a second time meeting.
It all comes down to this! 🤺
Who will capture the @QueensTennis title: Carlos Alcaraz or Alex de Minaur? 🏆#CinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/2ohC6e3rDe
— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 25, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic’s battle for the No.1 ranking
When Alcaraz beat Casper Ruud at the US Open last year he became the youngest No.1 in history. Since then, the Spaniard and Djokovic have interchanged at the top of the tree and it could see a new chapter later this afternoon.
Here is the story so far:
12th September 2022 – Carlos Alcaraz wins the US Open to take the No.1 ranking from Daniil Medvedev.
30th January 2023 – Novak Djokovic wins his 10th Australian Open crown to return to the top of the rankings.
20th March 2023 – Carlos Alcaraz wins Indian Wells to dethrone Djokovic for the first time.
3rd April 2023 – Novak Djokovic returns to No.1 after Alcaraz fails to defend his Miami Open title.
22nd May 2023 – Carlos Alcaraz becomes top dog once again after playing in Rome for the first time.
12th June 2023 – Novak Djokovic makes history with 23rd major title at Roland Garros and becomes No.1 for a ninth time.
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