USA Today via Reuters
Oct 10, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) reacts after winning a point during in his second round match against Andy Murray (GBR) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 10, 2021; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) reacts after winning a point during in his second round match against Andy Murray (GBR) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Carlos Alcaraz has been a revelation since turning professional in 2018. The Spaniard had a fantastic 2021 season where he won the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan, Italy and reached the quarter-finals of the US Open. Additionally, his rankings have had a constant uptrend because of his performances.
His ongoing fantastic run at the Australian Open 2022 will see him move above the legend, Roger Federer. Interestingly, Federer began his professional career before Carlos was even born.
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Carlos Alcaraz to leapfrog Roger Federer in ATP Rankings
After the ranking table is updated post the inaugural Grand Slam of the season, the Spaniard will move ahead of the Swiss legend in the rankings. By reaching the Australian Open round 3, Alcaraz moved past Roger Federer in the ATP ranking (29 to 30).
reaching the australian open round 3 alcaraz moved past roger federer in the atp ranking (29 to 30) pic.twitter.com/OQjHFnnf3n
— enrico maria riva (@enricomariariva) January 20, 2022
Further, the Spaniard, who is ranked 31st in the world currently, has dominated his first two rounds at the “Happy Slam”. In the first round, he brushed aside the challenge of qualifier Alejandro Tabilo of Chile. He won that match in straight sets 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 in an hour and 54 minutes.
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 03: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during his Men’s Singles third round match on Day Five at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 03, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Further, in the first-round encounter, he was broken just once, while he managed to convert as many as seven breakpoints. He didn’t give his opponent any breathing space as he was seen putting pressure on the Chilean’s serve.
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In the second round, Carlos Alcaraz defeated the Serbian Dusan Lajovic in straight sets 6-2, 6-1, 7-5. As in the first round, the Spaniard dominated the match with his powerful forehands. He was broken just once in this match as well.
What next for the Spaniard?
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Sep 3, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates after recording match point against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in a third round match on day five of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The 18-year-old is currently up against the seventh seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy. In his biggest challenge Down Under yet, Alcaraz has lost the first set to the big Italian, 2-6 at the Rod Laver Arena. Can Carlos Alcaraz cause a major upset at this year’s Australian Open? Do let us know your views in the comments below.
