Rafael Nadal is missing from the US Open tennis this year, but his expected successor, the next Rafa, is on New York’s concrete, as Carlos Alcaraz was described by Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal.
The 18-year-old Spaniard is described as a future star and showed his skills by advancing to the round of 16 through third world player Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Alcaraz beat the Greek in the third round with 61 winning balls. He interspersed huge blows by frequently shortening behind the net, then swapping opponents. As a result, the 55th player in the world won 6: 3, 4: 6, 7: 6, 0: 6 and 7: 6 and became the youngest grand slam eight-finalist since 1992.
With his performances he imitates and surpasses legends. As a Croat, Goran Ivaniševič won the first round in all grand slams and defeated the world number three players in the tournament in the big four at a younger age than the Americans Pete Sampras (19 years old) and Andre Agassi (20).
The American audience also helped the Spanish young man in the match with Tsitsipas. The Greek antagonized the spectators with long breaks between sets and after Alcaraz’s winning balls, Carlos’ chanting thundered through Arthur Ash’s arena! Carlos!
“Without the spectators, I wouldn’t have a chance to win. I was down in the fourth set, but the audience was driving me and it was an incredible feeling,” Alcaraz said.
“I am convinced that he will be a fantastic player,” Nadal said of him in May this year after teaching a compatriot a lesson on clay in Madrid and allowing him three games. Alcaraz, instructed by the game of the clay king, was immediately dominated by a challenger in Portugal, Roland Garros advanced from the qualification to the third round, and in July he celebrated his first ATP title in Umag, Croatia.
But Alcaraz is not like Nadal. According to his coach and 2003 winner Roland Garros, Juan Carlos Ferrer plays Roger Federer more than a Swiss.
“It’s hard to compare anyone to Roger, but if I have to find a resemblance, Carlos plays aggressively and has a lot of weapons. He’s variable, that’s what Roger is best for. Carlos can play on any surface and in any style,” Ferrero said.
The round of 16 may not be final for a native of El Palmar. Alcaraz’s next opponent will be 14 years older German veteran Peter Gojowczyk, currently up to 141st player in the ATP rankings.
.
