When Did Carlos Alcaraz Turn Pro?

Carlos Alcaraz is the newest sensation in the ATP circuit. The 19-year-old from Spain has been playing some phenomenal tennis this year. From being in the Top 50 at the beginning of this year to rising to World No. 6, within a matter of 5 months, he has shown that with great skill, dedication, and perseverance a fairy tale run is indeed possible.

Joining the fag end of the era so completely dominated by the Big Four- Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray- Alcaraz shows signs of similar greatness, if not more!

When did Carlos Alcaraz become pro?

Alcaraz has been a gifted player since his junior days in the International Tennis Federation junior circuit. He was ranked as high as world number 22 as a junior and 12 titles. He turn professional in 2018 when he was just 16-year-old. Having spent less than 4 years on the ATP circuit he has already had quite the taste of success.

Alcaraz’s achievements so far

In 2020 at the age of 16, he made his main draw debut at the Rio Open after defeating compatriot, Albert Ramos Viñolas. Aged just 17, he was the youngest ever participant at the Australian Open, and he won his debut match against Botic Van de Zandschulp, before losing to Michael Ymer in the second round. Since then, his rise into the tennis elite has been phenomenal, to say the least.

In 2021, on this birthday, he had lost to his idol Rafael Nadal at the Madrid Open. However, this time, he again played the older Spaniard at the tournament, but not only did he defeat the 21 time grand slam champion, he also went on to win the tournament! Not only that, he has become the only person in history to have defeated both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the same tournament for the title. 

Alcaraz’s record-breaking 2022

Carlos Alcaraz started the season with the Australian Open and made it to the third round before bowing out to Matteo Berrettini in an epic five-set match! Since then he has been on a run! He won his first ATP 500 Masters at the Rio Open, by defeating Jaume Munar, Federico Delbonis, top seed Matteo Berrettini Fabio Fognini, and finally Diego Schwartzman in the finals! This also resulted in his seeding to catapult onto the Top 20. He reached the quarterfinal at the Indian Wells, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in the semifinals. 

Since his 2022 stint at the Indian Wells, Alcaraz has managed to win all the tournaments he has taken part in. Seeded 14th at the Miami Open, he won his first Masters 1000 title by defeating the defending champion Hubert Hurkacz. He then won his second 500 title at the Barcelona Open. Alcaraz pulled off yet another record-breaking feat at the Mutua Madrid Open, and now at 19 years of age is the sixth-ranked player in the world.

It will be an understatement to say that the expectations from this youngster are extremely high, and the entire tennis fraternity is waiting to see what great achievements this teenager is destined for!