Carlos Alcaraz reflects on his US Open run: "I am very happy, but I have not changed"
The 18-year-old won two five-setters, including one over third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, before retiring in his quarterfinal match.
WATCH: After Alcaraz's upset of Tsitsipas, Dominic Thiem talks about what the Spaniard brings to the tour.
Carlos Alcaraz is taking a lot from his run at the US Open, even though it ended with a retirement in the quarterfinals.
The 18-year-old from Spain retired down a set and 3-1 against Felix Auger-Aliassime becuse of a right abductor injury. He had played two consecutive five-setters to reach the quarterfinals, including a memorable win against No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.
"I am very happy, but I have not changed," he told Spanish press. "I got a lot of experience for subsequent tournaments, but I am going to carry on being the same person and player."
Alcaraz, ranked No. 55 in the ATP rankings, became one of the youngest quarterfinalists ever at the US Open and received substantial attention. But he says that won't affect his mentality.
"I try not to put pressure on myself," he said. "The biggest thing I'm taking away is the way I faced new moments like playing the world No. 3 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The way I responded, and the way I handled the media."
His performances also gained him the backing of the fans, something else he's going to take away from this event.
"I felt the crowds supported me through the week," said Alcaraz. "It was a big factor—if not for them, I could not have got as far."