Carlos Alcaraz has won the 2022 ATP Most Improved Player of the Year award. Alcaraz, who turned 19 in May, started the 2022 season ranked at No 32 in the world. 12 months later, Alcaraz is a Grand Slam champion and the youngest No 1 in tennis history.
Alcaraz, who also captured two Masters titles this year, won in total five titles this year. Before the 2022 season started, Alcaraz said his goal for 22 was to reach the ATP Finals and finish the year ranked inside the top-15.
Alcaraz ended up achieving far more. “I’m really happy to receive this award, and I want to say thank you to all my colleagues who voted me as the Most Improved Player of the Year. For me it’s an amazing achievement.
This year has been a really good year for me, a dream year for me, and I’m looking to improve the year in 2023. Thank you very much,” Alcaraz told the ATP Tour website.
Alcaraz knows things will be different in 2023
12 months ago, Alcaraz was a rising star in the game.
Now, Alcaraz is the top-ranked player in the world. Going into the 2023 season, Alcaraz admits he knows many players will be extra-motivated to beat him. Because of that, he underlines he will have to keep working hard and also remain mentally strong.
“Next season is going to be different for me. I’m not going to be one of the guys who is climbing up, I’m there, so this season will be a different mentality. I have to be prepared to stay strong the whole year because I’ll be going to lots of tournaments as the favourite.
Everyone wants to beat me so I have to be prepared for that,” Alcaraz told The National. In January, Alcaraz will be aiming to win his second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
