Carlos Alcaraz Explains Why Being World No. 1 No Longer Drives Him
Carlos Alcaraz, once the youngest man to reach world No. 1 at age 19 after winning the 2022 US Open, has opened up about his mindset regarding the ATP rankings. Now 21 and ranked No. 3, the four-time Grand Slam champion says he’s no longer “obsessed” with reclaiming the top spot.
Though he once admitted to thinking about the No. 1 ranking “at every tournament,” Alcaraz’s perspective has shifted. In a recent interview with GQ Spain, he said, “I’m not obsessed with being the best in the world. I was No. 1 a few years ago, and I was happy. Now I’m No. 3, and I’m equally happy. I’m enjoying the journey, the sport, and life.”
Alcaraz has struggled to close the rankings gap with current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, even during the Italian’s recent suspension. Reflecting on the pressure, he shared: “A lot of people were saying I could become No. 1 while Jannik was out, and maybe that pressure affected me. I don’t think I can catch him during the clay season, even if he’s not playing. I’ve realized I just need to play and not think about it too much.”
Beyond rankings, Alcaraz has long expressed his desire to be remembered among the greatest players in history, like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Still, he insists it’s not a fixation.
“I’ve always said I’d like to be the best in history and sit at the Big Three’s table, but those are big words — not an obsession,” he explained. “I’d like to be remembered as someone who inspired kids, who enjoyed the game with a smile, and made others enjoy it too.”
While comparisons to the Big Three are frequent, Alcaraz prefers to carve out his own legacy: “It’s obviously a compliment to be compared to the greatest, but I’m Carlos Alcaraz, and I’m focused on forging my own path.”
With his talent, maturity, and perspective, Alcaraz may not be obsessed with the No. 1 ranking — but he’s certainly not done making history.
