Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged that Novak Djokovic has demonstrated “year after year” that he is always prepared to win the Golden Slam, but he warned his arch-rival that he is “here to prevent it this time.” The current world No.2 also stated that being the world’s top-ranked player “has always been my dream,” but he is “not looking for the record.” Djokovic won three of this year’s four Grand Slam tournaments, with Alcaraz being the only player to upset him in a Major with his five-set Wimbledon final victory.
Djokovic won the first three Grand Slam events in a remarkable run in 2021 but was denied a medal at the Tokyo Olympics before losing the US Open final to come one win shy of completing the Calendar Grand Slam. With 2024 being an Olympic year, the world No.1 will have another chance to achieve a Golden Slam.
When asked how he stays motivated and if he can improve this year after winning the 2023 ATP Finals, Djokovic highlighted the possibility of a Golden Slam. Well, you can win four Slams and Olympic gold. Let’s see. I mean, I have always the highest ambitions and goals. That’s not going to be different for the next year, that’s for sure, the Serbian said.
No male player has ever completed a Golden Slam, with Steffi Graf being the only woman to do so in her incredible 1988 season. Alcaraz addressed the potential of his 36-year-old rival having a historic 2024 season in an interview with the media ahead of an exhibition event in Mexico. Djokovic has shown year after year that he is prepared to win the four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold, but we are here to prevent it, along with other players capable of defeating him, the young Spaniard said.
Prepare your TV to follow me in 2024, because it’s going to be a year full of energy and good times. I try to focus on my career. My dream is to be considered one of the greatest in history, Alcaraz added. Being number one in the world has always been my dream. I achieved it very soon, being the youngest in history. We are not looking for the record, far from it, but to reach that dream. I wouldn’t have minded if it had been at 25. We are in the tennis record books, which makes me very happy too and I hope it continues for many years, Alcaraz concluded.
