Carlos Alcaraz: “It’s a bit crazy what Novak said there”

Question: Carlos Alcaraz, how does it feel to be the Wimbledon champion?

Carlos Alcaráz: “Great. It’s a dream come true. It’s something I’ve always wanted, but I didn’t think it would happen so soon.”

Many people speak of a changing of the guard. How important is it for you that you just won against Djokovic?

“I did it for me, not for a specific generation of tennis. But to beat the best Novak, in a final, and to be the guy to beat him on this court again after ten years is fantastic. I will never forget it. And it’s definitely good for the younger generation. When they see that I can do it, they’ll tell themselves that they can do it too.”

Just a month ago at the French Open you were overwhelmed by the task and got cramps after two sets against him. What did you change?

“I said that before. I was a completely different player here than at the French Open. I learned from that. My preparation was different, especially mentally. I was able to deal with the pressure and nerves better than in Paris. We had a lot of hard and intense rallies, it was a very long match. It was mainly mental that I was able to get through five sets at this level this time.”

You said before the game that this is the greatest moment for you. You’re only 20, how can you know?

“Right now this is the happiest moment of my life. In five years it will probably be different. But now I’m only 20, I haven’t experienced many moments like this.”

Djokovic raved that you were a little bit Federer, a little bit Nadal and a little bit himself. How do you see yourself?

“Honestly? It’s a bit crazy what Novak said. But I consider myself a pretty complete player. I’ve got the shots, the physical strength, the mental strength. He’s probably got something right, but I want to think that I’m just full of Carlos Alcaraz.”

What did you learn about yourself today?

“Good question. I probably didn’t really believe before the game that I was ready to beat Novak in five sets. I’ve learned that I’m mentally and physically able to last five hours against a legend.”

Video: 12-year-old Alcaraz on his goals