An enthralling start to day 5 of the US Open had fans in utter disbelief. King of controversy, Stefanos Tsitsipas donned the court yet again in an enticing clash against Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz. Undoubtedly, fans expected a thrilling game on their hands. However, the tennis world stood still as they witnessed a match of the decade. 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz put on a miraculous performance as he beat the World No. 3 in a nail biting 5-setter.
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Unbelievable tennis graced the courts of New York yet again as the ATP stars kicked off their round 3 matches. Naturally, given his stature, Stefanos was deemed as a favorite for the win. However, Alcaraz, a kid who has been on a history-making rampage, played the tennis of his life, beating the Greek god in a breathtaking 5-setter.
Playing fiercely right till his final tie-break, the world remained shocked, watching the youngster’s record-breaking performance. Notably, Twitter was sent into a frenzy with many players sharing their reactions to the unbelievable tennis they witnessed.
Twitter erupts to Carlos Alcaraz
From ex-players to fellow US Open participants, Carlos blew minds all across the globe. While at it, he also won hearts, courtesy of his stellar talent. The Spaniard only recently burst onto the scene, creating history with his first ATP title in Umag. Ever since, fans closely followed every swing and miss from his racquet, comparing him to the great Rafael Nadal.
Speaking of the same, American Tennis Legend, Patrick McEnroe, took to his Twitter. He said, “Yes, we all miss Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. But the future of men’s tennis is looking very VERY bright.”
Yes we all miss @RafaelNadal and @rogerfederer but the future of men’s tennis is looking very VERY bright.
— Patrick McEnroe (@PatrickMcEnroe) September 3, 2021
Defending champion, Dominic Thiem was in awe of the youngster’s game. Sharing a picture of Carlos on his Instagram, he said, “What an unbelievable match. Our game has a new star.”
Carlos played with such exuberance, even his opponent’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, appreciated the effort. Taking to his Instagram, he said, “Not the result we wanted, but a great battle and a brilliant performance from Carlos Alcaraz.”
A fan favorite, Genie Bouchard, was also all praise for the youngster. Taking to Twitter, she expressed her disbelief over the match result. She said, “Tsitsipas couldn’t break out of Alcatraz!!! Wow!!!!!!” She even shared a picture of the Spaniard on her Instagram story.
Tsitsipas couldn’t break out of Alcatraz!!! Wow!!!!!!
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) September 3, 2021
Not just fans and players, but every single entity that witnessed Carlos’ admirable display against a great, was left speechless and impressed. Post the match, its commentator Boris Becker said, “First time I do commentary on Carlos Alcaraz and becoming a fan already… tennis has bright future!”
First time I do commentary on @alcarazcarlos03 and becoming a fan already… tennis 🎾 has bright future! @usopen
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) September 3, 2021
Along with tennis entities, NBA player Luka Doncic also joined the list of his admirers.
Incredible 👏👏👏 @alcarazcarlos03
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) September 3, 2021
Watch this story: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and Others Interacting With Fans at US Open
Keep em coming
American tennis legend, Billie Jean King, was also filled with admiration for the youngster. Taking to her Twitter, said, “So great to watch incredible tennis and to witness the arrival of the next generation of future champions. Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest player into the US Open Round 4 since Michael Chang and Pete Sampras.”
So great to watch incredible tennis and to witness the arrival of the next generation of future champions.
Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest player into the #USOpen Round 4 since Michael Chang and Pete Sampras. https://t.co/iW4cqLWK3D
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 3, 2021
Now, with another admirable performance against one of the giants of the game, he’s made an even bigger name for himself. Notably, former Russian player Yevgeny Kafelnikov took to his Twitter, predicting a bright future for the youngster.
Alcaraz will be number 1️⃣ in 3 year maximum
— Kafelnikov Yevgeny (@KYevgeni) September 3, 2021
Veterans of the game, Feliciano Lopez and Jamie Murray were also all praise for 18-year-old.
Taking to his Twitter, Feliciano said, “To see Carloz Alcaraz play is the best remedy to combat jet lag. Arthur Ashe stadium standing and my wife and I at home more of the same! Come on!!!!”
Carlos Alcaraz – The People’s Champ #usopen
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) September 3, 2021
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Ver a @alcarazcarlos03 jugar es el mejor remedio para combatir el jet lag!
Arthur Ashe stadium en pie y mi mujer y yo en casa más de lo mismo! Vamosss!!!!— Feliciano López (@feliciano_lopez) September 3, 2021
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It goes without saying, Carlos deserves every bit of praise coming his way. Notably, despite what his fate has in store at the US Open, he has etched his name in the history books and will forever be remembered for his performance tonight.