Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal (Credits: Tennis Head)
Carlos Alcaraz broke into the top 10 of the ATP rankings after reaching the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open
Carlos Alcaraz? defeated no.1 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 to reach the semis of the Barcelona Open and enter the top-10 of the ATP rankings. Alcaraz is 18 years and 11 months old and has become the youngest player to achieve the feat after Rafael Nadal, who was a month younger when he attained a top-10 ranking. Incidentally, Nadal entered the top 10 on April 25th after winning the Barcelona Open and Alcaraz has repeated the same feat on the same day, at the same tournament.
The Spanish teenager is having an incredible year. Alcaraz became the youngest ever champion of the Miami Masters ATP 1000 event earlier this month. Earlier this year, Alcaraz won the Rio Open. The tournament was played on a clay surface, a good warm up event leading to the Roland Garros. Alcaraz became the youngest ever ATP 500 champion after defeating Diego Schwartzmann 6-4, 6-2 in the final. Alcaraz however would need to be careful about his fitness leading to the second Grand Slam of the year. The Spaniard withdrew from the next event, the Acapulco Open in Mexico owing to a niggle he suffered post the Rio Open. With a packed schedule, he would look to ensure he stays fit and on top of his game going into the French Open.
Carlos Alcaraz is often compared to his idol, Rafael Nadal. Left-handed, Spanish, strong on clay surfaces – too much in common isn’t it? Well, there is something more to it. The potential, the talent, and the precise execution, Alcaraz has in abundance. When you watch Alcaraz play, you can relate him to Nadal in the early stages of his career. Alcaraz has been considered the next big thing in tennis for quite some time now.
The Spaniard will have his eyes set on the Roland Garros – a tournament which his idol has dominated for more than a decade. Alcaraz is growing increasingly stronger on the clay surface and will look to be on the top of his game in Paris next month. Alcaraz could potentially be Nadal’s biggest challenger for the Roland Garros crown in May.
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