Carlos Alcaraz hails Rafael Nadal and family as his biggest inspirations as he continues title defense at Miami Open 2023

Family is Carlos Alcaraz's biggest inspiration as the World No. 1 conveyed that he is playing for his family and wants to make them proud. However, he also hailed compatriot and tennis legend Rafael Nadal as another huge inspiration, suggesting that his attempts to make 'impossible shots' time and again is a tribute to the Spanish great.

Alcaraz continued his merry run with a 6-0, 7-6(5) win over Dusan Lajovic in the third round of the Miami Open, thus extending his unbeaten streak to eight matches. The defending champion in Miami, who has now won 16 sets in a row, also kept his Sunshine Double hopes alive in the process

After his latest win, the Spaniard reflected on those he looks up to as he continues his pursuit of excellence. While he showered love on his father, grandfather, and the rest of his family and team, he also shed light on his admiration for Nadal.

"I'm playing for my family, my team. Someone I looked up to when I was younger was Rafa Nadal. Trying to make impossible shots, impossible passes, it's all for him," Carlos Alcaraz told Tennis Channel after Sunday's win against Lajovic.

"Right now, I'm playing for my dad, to make him proud, my grandfather and my whole family, trying to make them proud of me," he added.

Alcaraz will face Tommy Paul in the Round of 16 on Tuesday. This is the second time they will compete on the court, with Paul having won their last match 6-7(4), 7-6(7), 6-3 at the 2022 Canadian Open. A quarterfinal clash between Alcaraz and either Taylor Fritz/Holger Rune is also on the cards.

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"Go for it, try to make amazing shots" - Carlos Alcaraz on battling nerves on the court

Much like his idol Rafael Nadal, a key reason behind Carlos Alcaraz's success is his ability to raise his level of tennis during nervy moments. Revealing his thought process during such situations, Alcaraz said that he always focuses on maintaining a positive mindset and a fearless brand of tennis even when his back is against the wall.

"Go for it. Don't have fear to make mistakes or to lose. I always think that you have to go for it, try to make amazing shots," Alcaraz said on the same. "'Everything happens for you,' that's something I'm telling myself," he added.

Alcaraz is chasing another big record in Miami this week as he will become the youngest man to win the prestigious Sunshine Double if he backs up his Indian Wells title by winning the trophy in Miami. Additionally, he will also become the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to win Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back.

The 19-year-old needs to defend his title this week to retain his world No. 1 ranking going into the clay-court season.