Alcaraz ‘doesn’t feel’ best of is generation
BBC – Spain’s world number one Carlos Alcaraz says he “does not feel the best player of his generation” after beginning his Wimbledon campaign with a victory.
US Open champion Alcarez, 20, is aiming to become the third youngest player to win the men’s singles title and beat veteran Jeremy Chardy 6-0 6-2 7-5.
“There are a lot of great players in my age there right now – we are going to share great moments,” said Alcaraz.
His match was one of only a few to finish on a rain-affected day two.
There was no play on the outside courts from just after midday because of the poor weather, with only the matches on Centre Court and Court One – the two courts with roofs – completed on Tuesday.
Alcaraz impressed, dropping only seven games and needing less than two hours to defeat 36-year-old Frenchman Chardy, who was playing the last competitive singles match of his career.
As well as his US Open win, Alcaraz reached the semi-final of the French Open in May, losing to 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Asked if he felt he would be the successor to the Serb, Alcaraz highlighted 21-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner and 20-year-old Dane Holger Rune, ranked eighth and sixth in the world respectively, as other options.
“I don’t feel I’m the best of my generation,” said Alcaraz.
“Sinner is there. Rune, as well. They are playing a great level.
“It’s 1-0 head-to-head against Rune, he’s up on me right now and I’ve had great matches with Jannik.”
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer retired in September and was watching on from the Royal Box on Centre Court, with Alcaraz disappointed he did not see his match on Court One.
“I saw that Roger Federer was here and I was a little bit jealous,” added Alcaraz. “Honestly, I want Roger Federer to watch one of my matches obviously.
“I wish to talk a little bit with him and for me it would be amazing so I hope to see him around more than once.”