Alcaraz, loud and clear: "People can't forget that I got here in a certain way"

Carlos Alcaraz is already at Roland Garros 2025, where he is presented as the top favorite for the title. The smiles and joy of the Murcian, always contagious, took over Philippe Chatrier in his first practice on Friday, prior to an interesting press conference where he talked at length about many topics: how he feels physically and emotionally after his great performance in Rome, Rafa Nadal's words about his Netflix documentary, his rivalry against Jannik Sinner, or the high level that, according to him, currently exists in the top 30 of the circuit. A conversation in which Carlitos definitely did not hold back.

- Preparations ahead of Roland Garros after his great performance and title in Rome

"Mainly to get good feelings. I noticed a big difference in conditions here yesterday; today I felt the ball a bit better. We are not working on anything specific, just trying to feel good, comfortable, impose my game in training, think about how I will start the tournament and how the first match will be, but above all, add joy to my game. That's what I always try to do in every match and training, not be afraid of anything, not think about wanting to be more... solid, but to bring joy, enjoy, have fun, do things that amuse me: that's how I think I'll be ready for the tournament."

- Regarding Nadal's comments about his Netflix documentary: Does it truly portray him as a tennis player?

"Yes, I have read them. There are many different opinions; many people have also told me that I show a lot of my party side, that I really enjoy partying and the nightlife... personally, I don't see it that way, but I am open to all kinds of opinions. I show a bit of my life, that way of also having my enjoyment side along with the tennis side, my profession, my work. Obviously, I am a professional; I prioritize tennis above anything else, but I also try to have my moments of enjoyment. It may have coincided that they recorded the fact that I like to go out, like any 21 or 22-year-old guy, but without losing focus on what is really important: tennis. I appreciate the criticism, the opinions, I really appreciate what Rafa has said, but people must not forget that I got here being a certain way."

- Do you feel your level is a step above the rest on clay, as many people may think? To the point of maybe feeling that this tournament is 'yours'?

"Honestly, I don't feel that way. Jannik, for example, had an incredible week in Rome and came from three months, that lack of competition shows as you progress in important tournaments. I have also had very tough moments, matches where I could have easily lost. It is true that I am very comfortable, I am feeling very good, very happy with the level I am reaching. Most of the tournaments and matches I feel depend on me, on whether I find the right path, find the right way to approach the matches. In that sense, I do feel that they depend quite a bit on me."

- About the recent victories over Sinner and whether you have figured him out

"I have said it many times: our rivalry is very beautiful for that reason, because our matches are very tactical. I am sure that the next time we face each other, he will change things, he will improve, and I will also adjust things to beat him. I think that's what the Big 3 has done throughout their careers, there have been periods where Rafa beat Djokovic and vice versa, with Federer the same... there are streaks. I have to be prepared because I know I won't win all the matches against him; that's the way it is, you have to be prepared to accept. I hope I win the next ones, but every time I face him it's a mental, tactical, and physical battle at the highest level, so you have to be prepared for everything that happens."

- The high level of tennis on the circuit right now

"The top 20, 25, 30 have a very high level of tennis. We have seen it with Mensik, for example, who was around the top 20 and won Miami; that shows how strong the current top 30 is. I saw Sascha (Zverev) talking about this, maybe ten years ago the top 10 was stronger, but overall, the top 30 is truly strong. We have very open draws where anyone can go far and win the tournament, something that I think is very positive for tennis."

- His preference for playing in the daytime rather than at night

"Honestly, I prefer playing during the day because I don't really like the cold (smiles). When you finish, also, it's much earlier, you can do many more things after the match, which is great. In the evening sessions, when you finish everything is already very late, you have treatment, dinner, and end up going to bed around 2 or 3 in the morning, it's very late. I don't know how strong my preferences are, but I tell the tournament what I prefer, and they decide. Many players share their preferences with the tournament, and they have to find a balance with the players. I know I will play some night matches and I have to be ready for that, but I think everyone prefers playing during the day."

- His debut against Kei Nishikori

"I am very excited to face Nishikori for the first time. I watched him a lot when I was young, and it made me very happy to see him back on the circuit. I know he has struggled a lot physically in recent years, there have been injuries that have kept him out of action. I know that when he plays good tennis he is very difficult to beat. I look forward to facing a legend like Kei."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz, alto y claro: "La gente no puede olvidarse que he llegado aquí siendo de una manera"