Carlos Alcaraz on 'right path' to match Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer after historic US Open success
Published 09/09/2025 at 20:33 GMT+1
Carlos Alcaraz became the second-youngest man to claim six Grand Slam titles after Bjorn Borg when he won the US Open for a second time on Sunday. As such, he is ahead of where Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer - the 'Big Three' - were in their budding years on tour. Alcaraz said he is on the "right path" to matching the illustrious careers of the trio.
Best bits: Alcaraz wows New York to beat Sinner and claim second US Open title
Video credit: TNT Sports
Carlos Alcaraz said he is on the "right path" as he looks to emulate the highly-successful careers of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Alcaraz, 22, claimed his sixth Grand Slam title on Sunday with an all-around masterclass to beat Jannik Sinner in the US Open final.
In doing so, the new world No. 1 became the second-youngest player to win six majors since Bjorn Borg - sparking conversation as to whether the Spaniard could surpass the individual Grand Slam totals set by each of the 'Big Three'.
Per BBC, Nadal also had six Grand Slams at the age of 22, but was months older than Alcaraz when he achieved the feat. Djokovic, meanwhile, had picked up one major at Alcaraz's age, while Federer had three.
Speaking to Cadena Ser, Alcaraz said the fantastic start to his career will mean nothing if he fails to build upon it.
"I'm on the right path, I always say that," Alcaraz said. "When I have more Grand Slams than legends like Rafa, Djokovic or Federer [at 22], it means I'm doing things right, that I'm on the right path.
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Alcaraz says completing career Grand Slam is 'first goal' as he looks ahead to Melbourne
Video credit: SNTV
"I always say that, in the end, the numbers for being precocious mean nothing if you stagnate there.
"If you don't continue on that path, winning titles, Djokovic and Federer would have one and not 24 and 20, respectively. Now is the time to continue on this path."
Alcaraz's US Open campaign was arguably the strongest Grand Slam run of his career. He dropped just a single set - to Sinner in the final - across the seven matches, and faced just 10 break points in that time.
On dealing with the increased pressure as a result of his developing dominance at the top of the sport, Alcaraz said his sole focus was to convert outside noise into positive performances.
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"In the end, we try to accept things as they come," he said. "These days, it's impossible, and we can't stop people from talking, setting expectations, and giving titles to the things we're doing.
"You have to know how to handle it in the best possible way and even use that as energy to continue giving our best.
"We try not to pay too much attention to it and, as I said, continue on our path. Above all, do the things we've been doing well."
The US Open was Alcaraz's second Grand Slam title of the year, after he came from two sets behind to clinch French Open glory in stunning style in June.
Not since Djokovic's US Open win in 2023 has any men's player other than Alcaraz or Sinner won a Grand Slam.
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Sinner says he was 'very predictable' against Alcaraz as he eyes 'changes' to his game
Video credit: SNTV
Playing in Davis Cup 'would be too selfish'
On Monday, Alcaraz withdrew from the upcoming Davis Cup second-round qualifier in Marbella through fatigue.
While it may be viewed as a blow to the Spain team, Alcaraz insisted it would have been "too selfish" for him to compete after playing out yet another demanding slate of matches in a tournament.
"The truth is that it's difficult for me, I feel very bad," he said. "I'm on a very demanding tour, with a lot of matches.
"The demands have been very high both mentally and physically. I don't have time to prepare in the best possible way and arrive at the Davis Cup in good shape, which would be too selfish. Other players can do better.
"Personally, I need rest to face the rest of the season and, above all, to stay mentally calm and assimilate everything that has happened on this tour of the United States."
Alcaraz, though, will return to action when the Laver Cup commences on September 19, where he features on Team Europe alongside Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Jakub Mensik and Flavio Cobolli.
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