Spotlight of the first winner: Carlos Alcaraz | ATP tour

#NextGenATP Spanish Carlos Alcaraz saw three of the top four seeds to win the virgin ATP tournament title at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open in Umag.

The 18-year-old became the youngest tournament-level winner since 18-year-old Kei Nishikori won at Delray Beach 13 years ago, and the youngest from Spain after Rafael Nadal, who was eight days younger when he ruled in Sopot in 2004.

ATPTour.com grabbed Alcaraz after winning Richard Gasquet in Sunday’s final.

See Umag’s last highlights:

How did you start playing tennis and what are your early memories of the sport?
I started playing tennis thanks to my father when I was four years old. He was also a professional tennis player and started teaching me how to play tennis. I have a club near my home and I skipped it all the time. I played tennis and played football with my friends.

When did you realize you wanted to become a professional tennis player?
I think when I was 14, when I started traveling around the world. In Spain, I started winning tournaments – national, international – so I realized I could be a professional tennis player. I worked hard for it and I am achieving my dream.

Your coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has been a very important person in your life. What do you remember about the first time you met him? What makes him so special not only as a coach but also as a mentor and friend?
I first met him at his academy. I went to the Academy to train with the players there, and one day he told me he wanted to train with me. I was in shock. It was the first time I met him, it was in court. Of course he is a mentor to me. He’s also a friend, so he’s everything to me.

What do you think is the most important lesson he has taught you?
I think the most important thing he taught me is that I have to play all the score on the same level. I need to be calm in difficult times and play really, really aggressive. I think this is the most important thing I learned from him.

You’ve gotten a lot of attention from a young age, and a lot of people want to talk to you, compare you to Rafael Nadal. How have you been able to handle pressure so well?
I try not to think about it. I always say the same thing – I’m focused on me [path]. I continue to learn, I continue to grow, I am still friendly with everyone and I am still focused on me [path].

Today was a big day when you won your first title. What are the next and biggest goals?
The goal this year was to reach the top 50. I think now [close], so when I reach that goal, I’m going to put another goal at the end of the season. My biggest goal is to reach number 1 in the world and I work hard for it.

Outside you enjoy golf in your spare time. What other things do you want to do, even if they are not about sports?
I [also] such as things outside of sports. I really want to spend time with family, friends, do things with friends. When I finish the tournament, I really want to go home, spend time with friends and family.

If you could go to dinner with any of the three celebrities in the world, who would you choose and why?
I do not know. Let’s say Rafa, Federer and Djokovic (laughs).

How much do you look at these three men as a sports legend?
I grew up watching them win tournaments, win Grand Slam events and I think they are the best in history. It’s amazing to me to play against them on the same track. I’m a lucky guy to learn from them.

You already get a lot of fans. What would you like them to know about you as a person, not a tennis player?
It is said that I am very kind. I am an open person so you can talk to me about anything.

You’re looking in good shape to get to the Next Gen ATP finals this year. Sure, you’re now taking your first ATP tournament title, but how important is it to get to Milan this year?
To me, it’s amazing. That is the goal. It would be amazing to me to play the Next Gen ATP finals against the best # NextGenATP players of the year. I enjoyed that moment.