‘More grand slams’: Carlos Alcaraz already has sights set on 2023 glory after US Open triumph
Carlos Alcaraz already has eyes set on his 2023 goal after winning the US Open a fortnight ago.
The Spaniard took the year off after a disappointing 2017 campaign that saw him finish outside the top-10 in the rankings.
But he will be aiming for his first win on the PGA Tour since 2011, when he became the first Spanish player to claim a Major in a US Open.
Alcaraz ended a miserable year with a win over a resurgent Zach Johnson and birdied the final hole to claim the title.
He says he has put himself in the position where he is now by taking time off, using the year to develop his game and build his confidence.
“I was super disappointed with my past year, because I didn’t believe myself at all,” said Alcaraz, who won his quarter-final by birdying seven of the 14 holes.
“I think that’s all part of the process, of getting to where you are.
“The year was about me and getting to know myself better. So I was really focused on just trying to get better for next year.
“The first year, you don’t feel comfortable, you don’t feel confident, you don’t feel good enough.
“So you try to get outside yourself and try to get to a place where you can perform. And I think the year did the job for me.
“I had a disappointing 2017. That’s why I had to sit out for the first part of the year.
“It helped me grow, learn how to perform better under pressure situations. So I’m really looking forward to another year in 2018.”
The 2019 season started with Alcaraz winning the Puerto Rico Open. He went on to finish in the top six at the Puerto Rico Open, which was the final event of the regular season.
Alcaraz’s good form allowed him to clinch a spot in the Volvo World Match Play Championship.
After the week off, Alcaraz’s form picked up in the BMW Championship