"I couldn't hang out with my friends as much as I wanted" - Alcaraz on making sacrifices for tennis

| by Alfredo Bassanelli

Carlos Alcaraz is number one in the world deservedly but it came at a cost that he spoke about at the Paris Masters.

The Spanish player enjoyed a breakthrough year this year taking home several big trophies, including his first grand slam title at the US Open, and rising to the top of the rankings in the process. It's been a lot to process, but for Alcaraz, it's been a dream come true.

He, like many before him, sacrificed quite a lot to see that dream come true: "Well, I could say I couldn't hang out with my friends as much as I wanted. You know, sometimes your friends tell me to go out, I mean, so late or I had to."

French Tennis Federation under fire following another late night finish in Paris
French Tennis Federation under fire following another late night finish in Paris

Despite sacrificing some things, Alcaraz is happy to report that he didn't sacrifice all things admitting that he still had plenty of time for family and friends: "I had the luck to didn't sacrifice some things at all. You know, I enjoy my time with my friends, but, I mean, I had to train really hard, I mean, with my team, my people, you know. But I would say I didn't sacrifice some things at all."

His parents are in the Paris stands as well and playing in front of them is very special for the youngster who is very close to his family:

“It’s such a pleasure. It’s tough to bring them to tournaments, and to have them in the box during the week is so special. Of course, taking the trophy for No. 1 in front of them was so special for me.”

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