Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz believes he's even better now

By SABC Sport
26th August 2023

In what may be an ominous sign for his US Open rivals, World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz believes he's a much better player now than when he won the tournament last year.

Alcaraz stunned the world when he captured the US Open trophy as a 19-year-old at Flushing Meadows a year ago but feels he has matured a lot in the 12 months since, and is relishing the defence of his title.

The Spaniard's words carry weight too, considering that his victory at Wimbledon last month was arguably the more impressive feat, especially as he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final.

"I feel that I'm more mature on court. I feel that I'm a better player than I was a year ago," Alcaraz said in his pre-tournament press conference. "I got my first Grand Slam last year, but I feel like I'm more mature and I'm better."

Alcaraz admitted he is trying to replicate his build-up to last year's US Open, going to great pains to prepare in the exact same way.

"I try to do exactly the same thing that I did last year, trying to practise the same way that I'm going to play, and focus on that. I'm not focus on the defending champion, the points, whatever," he said. "I'm just focused on showing my best level, trying to improve in every practice, and let's see how it is going to be in the tournament."

Alcaraz was involved in an unusual exhibition hitting partner this week alongside NBA star Jimmy Butler, and revealed the pair have become friends.

"I started to know him one year ago, to have a close relationship that is pretty good," Alcaraz said.

"He's a really huge fan of tennis. He trying to play. I think it's great for tennis to have Jimmy coming to tournaments and supporting us. It's great. Talking about me having him supporting me, a great athlete, NBA star, so it's for me almost crazy to have a good relationship with someone like Jimmy."

Alcaraz will start the defence of his US Open title against Germany's Dominik Koepfer.