Alcaraz's Confession: "Many Players Aged 13 or 14 Were Stronger Than Me"

Adrien Guyot

le 19/09/2025 à 08h01

2 min to read

Alcaraz Federer Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish prodigy, shares insights about his incredible journey to the world number one ranking. As the 2025 Laver Cup approaches, he talks about his childhood dreams and his admiration for Nadal and Federer.

Alcaraz has been one of the best players in the world for several years now. The youngest player to reach the world number one ranking in 2022 (at 19), the Spaniard reclaimed the throne of global tennis after the US Open, a tournament he won for the second time in his career, after defeating Jannik Sinner in the final.

Currently participating in the Laver Cup to represent Team Europe, the ATP ranking leader was asked about his dreams of becoming the world's best player when he was a child.

"Honestly, I didn't think I would reach the world number one someday. Many players aged 13 or 14 were stronger than me and had accomplished more than me. But for me, tennis was everything. It was my life.

I always had the idea of at least trying. I just wanted to become a professional. I loved Nadal since my childhood, his approach to the game. And, of course, Roger Federer, his style and elegance on the court. I admired him too," said the Spaniard, who also mentioned the 2025 edition of the Laver Cup in San Francisco.

"The Laver Cup? It's strange. A week ago, I was playing against the players on the court, and now, they're my teammates. But I love it. I love the energy this competition brings. We are all together trying to bring the Cup back to Europe.

Meeting them off the court has also been a great experience for me. I couldn't miss this year's edition," Alcaraz assured the Laver Cup media.