Carlos Alcaraz will play in his seventh Major final at 22! The young gun defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 in the US Open semi-final, returning to the title clash in New York for the first time in three years.
Alcaraz enters the final without dropping a set at Flushing Meadows, continuing his rise as the dominant force in men's tennis alongside Jannik Sinner. While beating Novak for the fourth time in nine matches, Carlos discussed his long-term vision in tennis.
Asked about if he plans to compete until late 30s, the Spaniard reflected on his path with a perspective inspired by Roger Federer, one of his idols. Alcaraz does not want to look decades ahead.
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The five-time Major winner prefers to set his targets in smaller cycles, focusing on the next couple of years but no more than five. Federer wrapped up the 2019 season ranked third behind Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
He had two match points in the Wimbledon final against Djokovic a couple of weeks before turning 38 before reaching the Australian Open semi-final next January.
The Swiss Maestro claimed four Major titles after turning 40 and left a blueprint for younger stars to follow. Novak has also extended the boundaries of longevity in tennis. At 38, the Serb competed in the semi-final at all four Majors in 2025!
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He remains the closest rival of Alcaraz and Sinner at Majors, with no plans of slowing down in 2026. Fo Alcaraz, the balance lies between celebrating his present successes and preparing for the seasons ahead with same desire.
With his win over Novak and Roger's example in mind, Carlos is shaping a career that blends patience, perspective and the relentless drive to stay at the top for as long as possible and chase records.
"One person once told me you do not have to think about still playing at 35 or 38. Roger advised me that I have to focus on the next five years of my career. Then, at 27, I would have to think about five more years.
It's not about thinking 15 or 20 years in advance. It's about going year by year or thinking about five years at best. We will see until what age I can take good care of my body.
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I will try to follow his words. At the moment, many more years are in front of me," Carlos Alcaraz said.
