How do you feel physically after this new showdown?
Carlos Alcaraz:
I feel great right now!
Of course, I'm a little tired, but I'm fine, very fine.
I am so, so happy.
I think of the boy who, ten years ago, dreamed of this moment.
And I'm very happy.
I am better prepared than last year (abandonment in the quarters, editor's note).
Last year, I had only played three Grand Slams in my career when I arrived at the US Open.
And I had only played one match in five sets (in the first round at Wimbledon, editor's note).
Now I've played a lot more, I'm better prepared mentally and physically.
For the past twelve months, I've been working hard in the gym, on the court.
But I would say it's all in the head.
Today I demonstrated that I was physically ready to play good tennis despite the number of
hours spent on the court.
And even though I passed three difficult laps, I'm not afraid of the final.
To discover
US Open: men's schedule
US Open: ladies' schedule
How do you approach this match against Ruud with the place of world No.1 at stake?
It's close, and at the same time it's far.
It's a Grand Slam final, a match for the world No.1 spot, it's something I've dreamed of since I was a child.
For now, I'm enjoying the moment, the fact that I'm going to play my first Grand Slam final.
I will have time tomorrow (Saturday) to think about all that.
But for now, I'm not worried about it.
I prepared myself mentally and physically to fight for goals as big as those of Sunday.
19 years ago, your coach Juan Carlos Ferrero had reached the final and had become world No.1. Did you talk about it?
We talked about it a lot.
He had beaten Agassi in the semi-finals of the US Open to become N.1.
He told me how he had prepared for this match.
And I'll do the same, I'll go get her.
