The prevailing belief in tennis circles was that it might take several years for another player to come close to the impact that Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic had on the sport in the 21st century. However, it appears that their successor has arisen, and his name is Carlos Alcaraz.
Turning professional as a teenager, Alcaraz made his debut in the ATP tour at only 16 at the Rio Open in February 2020. The following year he became the youngest participant at the Australian Open where he reached the second round.
Carlos Alcaraz's first titles and climb to World No. 1
In July 2021, the 1.83m player secured his maiden ATP title at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open defeating Frenchman Richard Gasquet in straight sets. At just 18 years old, Alcaraz not only became the youngest tour champion since 2008 but also the youngest Spanish champion in 17 years.
The records kept on rolling in 2022, as the Spaniard triumphed in Rio de Janeiro ATP to become the youngest winner of an ATP 500 title, before taking home the Miami Masters, becoming the third-youngest player to win an ATP 1000 event.
Later in the year, the young star triumphed at the Madrid Open, beating longstanding stars Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on his way to a victory on home soil.
He capped off his incredible year with a Grand Slam trophy as he defeated Casper Ruud at the final of the 2022 US Open, and ascended to first place in the men's singles ranking, becoming the youngest and first teenager to achieve that feat.
In July 2023, the 20-year-old triumphed once again in a major, this time in a fiercely contested Wimbledon final against four-time defending champion Novak Djokovic, securing his second Grand Slam trophy with a thrilling victory (1–6 7–6 6–1 3–6 6–4).
Comparisons to Rafael Nadal
Alcaraz's playing style has often drawn comparisons to his fellow Spaniard, Rafael Nadal**,** due to his aggressive baseline game and agile court movement. The year 2024 could bring a unique opportunity for the youngster to play alongside his tennis idol, as both players are reportedly considering participation in the Paris Olympics.
"It would be a dream. Not only to win a medal at singles or doubles, but just to live the experience of playing a doubles with your idol, would be a memory that I would keep with special affection,” Alcaraz told the Spanish radio station COPE about the chance to play with Nadal.
