Carlos Alcaraz makes Wimbledon tattoo vow ahead of opening US Open clash
Carlos Alcaraz is currently looking ahead to the US Open
REUTERS
Carlos Alcaraz has vowed to get a tattoo to celebrate his Wimbledon title triumph last month.
The Spaniard won the golden prize with a stirring victory over Novak Djokovic, ending the Serb's dominance of the competition in the process.
It was Alcaraz's second Grand Slam triumph, with the 20-year-old previously winning the US Open last year.
And now, speaking to Bobolat, the youngster has vowed to get a tattoo to commemorate his sensational victory.
"Not yet, but I'm going to get one. Yeah," he said when asked if he was planning on getting ink.
When quizzed on how he celebrated his win, he continued: "I spent time with family and friends at home. I would say that's the best thing to do after our victory."
Alcaraz has previously admitted that he wouldn't rule out getting a strawberry tattoo, just like Marketa Vondrousova.
The 24-year-old upset the odds to clinch a maiden Wimbledon title in July, beating Ons Jabeur 6-4 6-4 in the final.
Alcaraz added: "I don't know, I have to think about it!
"But a strawberry may not look bad. A strawberry can't look bad!"
Alcaraz is now focusing on his match with Dominik Koepfer.
The 20-year-old will go into the battle as the strong favourite to reign supreme given his fine exploits on the court this year.
It will be the first meeting between the two men, too.
But all signs point to Alcaraz winning the match, especially given how he powered his way to US Open victory 12 months ago.
Meanwhile, former tennis star Jimmy Connors has backed Alcaraz to challenge for the US Open and continue his brilliant form.
However, he also acknowledged the threat Djokovic poses - with the Serb playing at the competition for the first time in two years.
“You can’t win the tournament in the first week but you can lose it for sure," he said on his Advantage Connors podcast.
"One day at a time, one match at a time, I hate that saying but it’s true in a Grand Slam," he said.
“If you look past your first round, you’re a loser and I say that from experience.
"The end result is if you had a gun to my head and said, ‘Alcaraz and Djokovic against the field, who would you take?’ I’d take them.”
He added: “It’s tough for me to bet against the Djoker just because of his experience, his heart and everything that he can do.
“But after winning that match, I know he has a week off but that takes a lot out of you.
"And if he gets a flow, has some easy matches I’d take him but I think I almost have to go for youth.
“But the only thing about Alcaraz is that he can have a little walkabout on occasion.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Carlos Alcaraz was too strong for Novak Djokovic in last month's Wimbledon final
PA
"But you know he’s going to stay in there and fight his ass off no matter what. That’s one think I like.
“It’s a long two weeks. I hope they meet in the final again which would be an incredible match, incredible for the viewing audience and the tennis fans. I’m going for the youth this time.”