Alcaraz Explains How Nadal Inspires Him In His Career

Monday, 27 March 2023 at 09:00

Updated at Monday, 27 March 2023 at 00:49

bySebastian Dahlman

Carlos Alcaraz is still fighting for his world number one spot at the 2023 Miami Open and he spoke about his inspiration after the latest win.

In the third round of the 2023 Miami Open, the teenager defeated Dusan Lajovic in straight sets to set up a fourth-round meeting with home player Tommy Paul, who will want to upset the top seed in front of the crowd in Miami.

After his victory, Alcaraz spoke about the match, in which he won the first set 6-0, but then lost a one-break lead in the second set that eventually had to be decided in a tie-break. Despite things seemingly slipping out of his hands, in an interview with Tennis Channel the Spaniard admitted that everything was under control.

"Everything was under control or I think it was, but you know it is never easy. The nerves came out yeah, I made a few mistakes that I didn't do the whole match. So it was tough to win the match, but by the way, I'm really happy with the level that I'm playing and it was a good match."

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Alcaraz seems to never fear a big shot as he always attempts to do something special and is no stranger to highlight reels. When asked about what he does when nerves start kicking in, he said:

"Go for it. You know? Don't have fear to make mistakes or to lose. I always think that you have to go for it trying to make amazing shots. That's what I told myself in that tough moments. That's what I'm telling myself."

Already at a very young age, Alcaraz achieved a lot and this year, he can complete the Sunshine Double after previously winning the Indian Wells. The Spaniard is an inspiration to many but he's also inspired by others.

"I'm playing for my family, for my team. But as I mentioned before, someone that I look up to when I was younger was Rafael Nadal and trying to make impossible shots, impossible passings that's all for him. But right now I'm playing for my dad to make him proud and my grandfather and my whole family, trying to make them proud of me."