Carlos Alcaraz no longer allowed the nerves to get better for him and said he was ready to go to the regular toe-to-toe with top players after the Spanish met with world number one Novak Djokovic to reach the final of the Madrid Open on Saturday.
The 19-year-old won 6-7 (5) 7-5 7-6 (5) over Serbia in a three-hour competition, becoming the first player to beat Djokovic and Rafa Nadal on the same court. event.
Alcaraz was ranked 120th in the world just last year but has climbed to the top 10 behind three titles this season.
Asked what is different about his current game, Alcaraz said: “I would say I am more mature in managing difficult times, nerves, everything. I mean, to control everything in court. Well, I think I can play long conventions. “In a blatant conflict that could have gone either way, Alcaraz used his extreme violence as he beat a series of winners Djokovic during the break and set up a meeting with Alexander Zverev on Sunday.
“Like I always said, you have to try to go to the game. These are the days when you see good players and top players, I want to make a difference in that, ”added Alcaraz, who will move up to sixth place on Monday.
“I feel ready to compete with them (Djokovic and Nadal) in every tournament, in every place. In the Grand Slam, it is completely different. I think when you have to play better sets of five … but I think I’m good. ” A win against Zverev will give Alcaraz the second ATP Masters 1000 crown after his victory in Miami earlier this year.