Crown Prince Carlos Alcaraz sits on tennis throne as youngest ever
The 19-year-old Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open on Monday night.
In June 2005, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz was two years old and probably struggled just to pick up a tennis racket. Then compatriot Rafael Nadal won his first Grand Slam tournament at the age of 19. We'll be transported to September 2022, when the 19-year-old Alcaraz can pick up a racket and hit a right-hander in a way that few would envy.
Carlos Alcaraz won the US Open final on Monday night and thus won his first Grand Slam title.
- This is total nonsense," said Discovery tennis expert Michael Mortensen, who commentated on the final last night.
- 'Alcaraz acts like he's been to ten Grand Slam finals with the calmness he displays. When he hits left or right, I can imagine it's like a goods train coming straight at you. He's just a rising star.
Opposite the young Spaniard was another young and promising tennis player. The 23-year-old Norwegian Kasper Ruud fought through to the final and even managed to win his first Grand Slam title.
In addition, the winner can also claim the top spot in the world rankings. It was also the first time for both players to overtake world stars such as Djokovic, Medvedev and Zverev inside.
- For the first time, both things were at stake in a match. It's completely unheard of. It's huge," said the tennis commentator. By the way, if you don't have a chance to follow the broadcast of your favorite sporting game, you can use the Livescore service. Find out more at: https://betting-sider.net/livescore/.
Carlos Alcaraz won the match after four sets with 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3.
CARLOS ALCARAZ
- Born on 5 May 2003 in Murcia, Spain.
- Turned professional in 2018 at the age of 15.
- Won six ATP Tour titles.
- Won DKK 66 million in prize money.
Best in the world, but only priced in crowns
However, it's not because the Spanish teenager appeared out of the blue. He has been a professional since 2018 and has been at the top of the world rankings for most of this season, as well as having five tournament wins besides the US Open.
So it is perhaps no surprise that the Spaniard has become the number one ranked player in the world. However, one can afford to dwell on the fact that he is the youngest ever to be ranked number one in the world rankings at the age of 19 years, four months and six days.
- It is always surprising when a teenager becomes world number one, but if you look at the results, he has won five titles this year. In Madrid he beat Nadal, Djokovic and Zverev on his way to victory. So he has shown for a long time that he has the game qualities.
- I imagine the other players are thinking, "Shut up. Now we really need to get our act together." Winning sends a clear message to the rest of the tennis world, says Michael Mortensen.
In a way, Alcaraz has already overtaken his compatriot Nadal when comparing their careers. Now the 36-year-old tennis legend has only reached the top of the world at the age of 22.
Perhaps that is why the major Spanish newspaper La Marca have already dubbed Alcaraz "King Carlos the First".
- Now they're talking big words. He's the Crown Prince, but he's in the background and ready to take over. Nadal hasn't put his racket down yet and I'm sure he wants to show the young Alcaraz that he is still number one in Spain, although Alcaraz is number one in the world. Nadal will also probably be chasing another Grand Slam tournament win.
- Nevertheless, one thing is certain. When Nadal puts his racket on the shelf, Spain has a world-class player. Alcaraz is ready to take the baton, says tennis columnist Discovery.
Alcaraz could repeat Nadal's career
Although Carlos Alcaraz has reached the top of the tennis world and can currently call himself better than Nadal, there is one major factor that separates them, 21 factors to be exact.
21 Grand Slam titles to be exact.
Nadal holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles in men's singles - 22 - and there is speculation as to whether that record could ever be broken. It has to be compatriot Alcaraz, who has a few things in common with his colleague, who is 17 years older than him.
- They are two men with good life values and it shows on the field. They are deeply professional, calm and instantly waved away mistakes.
- Alcaraz is only 19 years old, as was Nadal when he won his first Grand Slam tournament. If he can avoid injury and stay motivated, he could easily go on to win these 20-22 Grand Slam tournaments. In any case, it is not impossible, says Michael Mortensen.
The next opportunity to catch up with Nadal is in January when the next Grand Slam tournament takes place. That's the Australian Open, which Nadal won in 2022.
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