Alcaraz's Celebration: From Champagne to a Kangaroo Tattoo: 'Many Doubted Me'

Spain - Ekhbary News Agency

Alcaraz's Celebration: From Champagne to a Kangaroo Tattoo: 'Many Doubted Me'

Following his triumphant conquest of the Australian Open, Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz embarked on a whirlwind celebration that was a blend of rapid-fire media engagements, introspective moments, and the already-formed outlines of new season objectives. The victory, hard-won on the Melbourne courts, was met with a characteristic mix of youthful exuberance and professional focus.

"It tastes good," he assured, and indeed, it tasted very good. During the somewhat turbulent celebration of his Australian Open victory, Carlos Alcaraz offered champagne to the journalists present in Melbourne, even indulging in a sip himself. "I won't drink anymore, this is a non-stop journey," he commented amidst the hustle and bustle. The path to becoming a Grand Slam champion is undeniably arduous.

From the moment he received the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup from Australian tennis legend Mark Edmondson – a moment many might have wished Rafa Nadal had officiated – to his departure to the hotel, Alcaraz was a blur of activity within the Melbourne Park complex. His schedule was packed: interviews with Australian television network Nine, followed by Eurosport, then ESPN, a written press conference, and appearances before the cameras of Britain's TNT, China's CCTV, and Italy's Sky. This whirlwind tour occurred even before he had a chance to shower or truly soak in the magnitude of his achievement.

Beyond a warm embrace with his team, particularly his coach Samu López, immediately after defeating Novak Djokovic in the final, Alcaraz's personal celebration was brief. He managed a small jump of joy with his team, posed for photos with each member, but little else. The vast distance meant his friends couldn't easily travel to Melbourne as they often do for tournaments in Paris, London, or even New York. Consequently, a more significant celebration would have to wait until his return to his hometown of Murcia.

Reflecting on his journey, Alcaraz shared a profound personal insight: "Over time, I've learned to pause after winning a Grand Slam and savor it. Perhaps I don't watch every match replay, but I focus on specific points, particular moments... That's how I realize how incredibly difficult what I've achieved is. I've learned that pausing and enjoying is the best way to keep working and go for the next title." This statement underscored a newfound maturity in handling success.

The weeks leading up to the season's first Grand Slam were overshadowed by controversy surrounding his separation from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Alcaraz faced criticism and had his capabilities questioned. He carried these doubts with him, using them as fuel. During the trophy ceremony, he spoke of his "rollercoaster of emotions" over the winter. Later, he elaborated, "Many people spoke about me and doubted the level I could offer in this tournament. Every year I came to Australia thinking about winning, but this time I had even more ambition. I had to be mentally strong to ignore those people, to focus on my game, and now I'm happy because I've proven them wrong."

In the press conference following his victory, the now seven-time Grand Slam champion revealed plans for a new tattoo – a kangaroo, to be inked "on one leg." He expressed confidence that his motivation remains undimmed. The Australian Open was his primary objective for the season, but his gaze is already shifting.

"I will set new goals. In a way, my head is already in Roland Garros. I would also like to win some Masters 1000 events for the first time and complete the set. And, obviously, there are the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup, which is a title I really want to achieve. I don't want to leave anything behind," he declared, his ambition soaring.

His ambition was such that he even deflected a compliment from his final opponent, Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star had called Alcaraz a "legend" after the match. However, Alcaraz humbly disagreed: "I understand why they call me that because of the seven Grand Slams or the 25 titles I have. Some people do, but a legend is forged over a long time. It's not about three or four seasons. A legend has to be a player who, year after year, goes to tournaments with the same hunger, the same energy, and the same passion." His perspective highlights a deep respect for the history of the game and a long-term vision for his own legacy.

The tennis world has witnessed something historic, a testament to his greatness. Replacing Nadal's dominance was once thought almost impossible, yet Alcaraz is forging his own legendary path.

Ekhbary News Agency