Alcaraz living the clay dream after Paris opening win

After living up to early expectations with a straight-sets opening win at Roland Garros, Spanish tyro Carlos Alcaraz admits he’s living a tennis dream.

The 19-year-old heir-apparent to Rafael Nadal is being guided by an experienced team which is trying to keep the youngster concentrated on his game in the style of Rafa himself.

Alcaraz seems to be absorbing every tennis life lesson.

“The truth is that I am fulfilling my dream, I am happy to compete in these tournaments,” he said after defeating Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero 6-4, 6-2, 6-0 in the first round.

“The worst thing about my new life is that I can no longer be a normal person when I go out for a walk or to dinner.

“I like to think that the players I face respect me and I try to take advantage of that to not give them any advantage on court.”

The teenager is already picking up some of the workaholic habits which have led Nadal to a record 21 Grand Slam titles.

“If you want to be the best in the world, there is no other way than to work to improve absolutely everything and every day,” the Murcia native said..

“That is what Rafa has done for so many years. Over time I have been gaining experience and learning to handle all kinds of situations.”