The week dedicated to the Davis Cup has just begun, but everyone still has Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph at the US Open in their eyes. The 19-year-old Spaniard has achieved a memorable feat, which has enabled him to become the youngest number 1 in the history of men’s tennis.
Juan Carlos Ferrero’s protégé has forfeited his first Grand Slam with full merit, embellishing a fabulous season. Before the success in New York, the Murciano had in fact won two Masters 1000 (Miami and Madrid) and two ATP 500 (Rio and Barcelona).
‘Carlitos’ survived three real battles in the second week, even nullifying a match point for Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals. In the final he got the better of Casper Ruud in four sets, proving he learned to handle the pressure after the missteps in Montreal and Cincinnati.
Through his Twitter profile, Roger Rasheed – former coach of Hewitt, Monfils, Tsonga and Dimitrov – has spent fine words for Alcaraz, whose rise was positively influenced by Rafael Nadal.
Rasheed on Nadal and Alcaraz
“100%.
And what a great educational upbringing he and all the young Spanish players have had with Rafael Nadal ( plus a host of others superb role models ). It doesn’t mean all follow that path but it’s hard not to engage in the positive habits the greats show, and put them to good use,” Roger Rasheed remarked.
In a recent interview, Alcaraz said, “I would love to face Federer one day. And all the Big Three at Grand Slams.“ It is worth noting that Alcaraz has already beaten both Nadal and Djokovic once. Earlier in the Madrid Open, he beat both of them on his way to the title.
Interestingly, he has yet to face them in a Grand Slam tournament, which could be a massive test for the young Spaniard. The 19-year-old didn’t disappoint as he won his maiden Grand Slam title at this year’s US Open.
He put on an eye-catching display throughout the tournament to emerge victorious. Following his exploits in Flushing Meadows, Alcaraz received praise from the former World Number 1, Novak Djokovic. The 21-time Grand Slam champion took to Instagram to praise Alcaraz for putting on a brilliant performance to win the US Open title.
Sharing a picture of Alcaraz lifting the US Open trophy, Djokovic said, “Congratulations @carlitosalcarazz for your first Grand Slam. Amazing performance”. Djokovic had to skip the US Open after being denied entry into the United States owing to his vaccination status.
