An 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz has been among the youngsters to watch in the last couple of years. Carlos did not have the ATP ranking three years ago, and he currently stands in the top-30 after making giant steps. Alcaraz claimed the first ATP title in Umag last year, advanced into the first Major quarter-final at the US Open and wrapped up the season with the ATP Next Gen Finals trophy.
A teenager started the new season at the Australian Open and lost to Matteo Berrettini in the third round after a thriller. Carlos will compete at the next week’s ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro, hoping to embrace a deep run and fight for the trophy.
Asked about Rafael Nadal, Carlos praised his legendary compatriot and called his Australian Open title ‘an incredible one.’ Watching the memorable final from his home, Alcaraz cheered for Rafa and felt as happy as if he had claimed the first Major title!
Nadal came to Australia with only two official matches in his legs after the Roland Garros semi-final. Dealing with a foot injury, the Spaniard could not predict anything during his Melbourne run, but he turned it into a perfect one and flew home with two trophies in his hands.
Nadal secured the first Australian Open title since 2009 and the record-breaking 21st Major, leaving Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20. Rafa battled past Karen Khachanov and Denis Shapovalov to find himself in the semis and took down Matteo Berrettini for a place in the sixth final in Melbourne.
Carlos Alcaraz praised Rafael Nadal and his 21st Major title.
Standing on the verge of the fifth consecutive defeat, Rafa trailed 6-2, 7-6, 3-2, 40-0 against Daniil Medvedev in the title clash before performing one of his most incredible comebacks in a career to score a 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 win in five hours and 24 minutes.
Nadal became the first player in the Open era who overcame two sets to love deficit in the Australian Open final, stealing the third set from the Russian and raising his level to claim the fourth and forge a 5-3 lead in the decider.
Medvedev made one last push and locked the result at 5-5 before Nadal grabbed games 11 and 12 to emerge at the top and write history books. « Seeing Rafael Nadal winning the 21st Major crown was incredible. I remember watching the match at home and celebrating like I won a Major. Rafa is an example to follow, » Carlos Alcaraz said.
