Carlos Alcaraz would rather win his first Australian Open than retain his French Open and US Open titles next year, the Spaniard said late on Friday, a day after sealing the year-end world number one ranking at the ATP Finals.
The 22-year-old, speaking on Spanish midnight sports radio show El Partidazo de Cope, said lifting the trophy at Melbourne Park has become a priority, with quarter-finals in 2024 and 2025 his deepest runs at the season’s first major.
“In 2026 I’d rather win Australia alone than win two repeated Grand Slams,” Alcaraz said.
“I’m far from being the best player in tennis or overall, because there are still many players who can beat me and I’ve lost to many players. I’m not the best, despite the ranking showing that I am.”
Alcaraz was beaten 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 by Novak Djokovic in a gladiatorial quarter-final on Rod Laver Arena but the Serb retired injured in the semis and will remain in the hunt for a record 25th Grand Slam and an 11th Australian Open in January.
The six-times Grand Slam champion added that surpassing Djokovic’s men’s Grand Slam record was a long-term ambition.
“I’d sign for 23 Grand Slams without thinking twice, right now. I want to be the one who wins the most, I want to surpass Djokovic, but 23? that’s no joke,” Alcaraz said.
“That’s a goal for the end of my career: to see that I can sit at that table with Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic, and that people also think I deserve to sit at their table at the end of my career.”
Alcaraz, who also finished 2022 as number one, has enjoyed the best season of his career, reaching three Grand Slam finals, beating Jannik Sinner to win the French Open and US Open while losing to his Italian rival in the Wimbledon decider.
Alcaraz remains on course for his first ATP Finals crown ahead of Saturday’s semifinal against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Carlos Alcaraz keen to break Australian Open duck
https://arab.news/6edjh
Carlos Alcaraz keen to break Australian Open duck
- Spanish tennis star says lifting the trophy at Melbourne Park has become a priority
- He was beaten by Novak Djokovic in a gladiatorial quarter-final on Rod Laver Arena
Paqueta moves to Flamengo after West Ham agree fee
- British media reported that West Ham have accepted an offer in excess of $49m
- “Paqueta is coming back. The good son returns home... A historic move,” the Brazilian side said
LONDON: West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta will return to his boyhood club Flamengo, both clubs confirmed on Wednesday.
Financial details were not disclosed but British media reported that West Ham have accepted an offer in excess of 41 million euros ($49 million) for the 28-year-old Brazil international.
Flamengo, last season’s Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Campeonato Carioca champions, confirmed the signing on social media.
“Paqueta is coming back. The good son returns home... A historic move. A milestone in the global football market, on a scale worthy of Flamengo,” the Brazilian side said in an Instagram video post.
“I am very happy to be back home. I would like to thank President Bap (Luiz Eduardo Baptista), Flamengo, our sponsors and, of course, the entire nation that made this possible,” Paqueta said in the video.
Paqueta was cleared of four spot-fixing charges by the English Football Association in July following a lengthy investigation. Paqueta, who was facing the risk of a lifetime ban, denied the charges.
“Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolved — a situation that caused him significant mental strain,” West Ham said in a statement.
“Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave. Therefore, the head coach (Nuno Espirito Santo) and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.”
Paqueta joined West Ham from French side Olympique Lyonnais in 2022, having previously played for AC Milan. His contract with the Premier League club was due to run until 2027.
He made 139 appearances for West Ham, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists. He was also part of the squad that won the UEFA Conference League in the 2022-23 season.
“West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the club and, in particular, over the past two and a half years,” the East London side added.
West Ham sit 18th in the league table with 20 points from 23 matches, five points adrift of the safety zone.
