class=”sc-3778e872-0 cKDKQr”>
Wherever Carlos Alcaraz appears, there is the masses. No other tennis star has generated as much interest at the Masters tournament in Madrid as the 19-year-old local hero. At most, Rafael Nadal (36) and Novak Djokovic (35), who both had to endure the 1000 event due to injury, would have sparked similar enthusiasm. But experts agree: the young man from El Palmar ushers in a new era. “Alcaraz’s time is here,” headlines the major Spanish sports newspaper “Marca”.
When Alcaraz walks towards the cloakroom after training, a human wall is erected in front of him in no time. If you can’t ask for a front row selfie or autograph, get creative. Piggybacking, shoulder bench, countless smartphones stretched as high as possible in the air. Just catch a glimpse of ‘Carlitos’, the new superstar not much older than most of the screaming fans here.
Alcaraz touches people in Spain because he seems like the nice boy next door. Sober, happy, decent. A teenager who is a huge Real Madrid fan loves golf and basketball. And of course: super successful at such a young age in an exciting carefree way. He already has three Masters titles to his name, won the US Open in 2022 and became the youngest world number one in history.
It’s no wonder, according to a recent study by Personality Media, that no other Spanish athlete has become as popular as in the past two years. Alcaraz currently radiates everyone in a country that is crazy about sports and especially football.
‘I hope he stays that way’
“Despite his modesty, he already has a certain glamor factor. It’s crazy how he knows how to captivate people. Not only with his tennis, which is absolutely special because incredible things happen in every match. But also with his personality. He is always friendly, smiles a lot. People like it and I hope it stays that way,” said José Morgado, the always well-informed tennis journalist from “Sport TV”, who generates a large reach on Twitter.
Alcaraz’s performance in Madrid is informal as usual. At the official media event, the current world number two appears in a good mood, in an orange jersey and matching shoes. And gathers a lot of press people around him. busy at home? He doesn’t feel it at all, unlike the Spanish top player Paula Badosa (25), who openly admits that she can be anything but relaxed in her own country. At least that’s what he says. After his recent victory in Barcelona, easy to speak of, he completed his first home task with flying colors. He says, “I just want to give people pleasure.”
His clear, direct statements match his motto, which he has tattooed on his left forearm. The letter “C” stands for “Cabeza, Corazon, Cojones” three times. So: head, heart, balls. His opponents say that’s exactly how he plays on the field. Stefanos Tsitsipas (24), who defeated Alcaraz in the Barcelona final a week ago, says: “He is mentally strong, works extremely hard – and his strength, flexibility and speed on the pitch are immense.”
“I don’t want to be Rafa”
At the latest since his first Masters title in Miami in 2022, Alcaraz has not been able to shake off comparisons to 22-time Grand Slam winner and compatriot Nadal. They honor him, but he always answers questions focused on Nadal’s successes and records in the same way: “I don’t want to be Rafa. I want to write my own story.”
Yet the parallels are no coincidence, journalist Morgado agrees: “Of course he is reminiscent of Rafa. Especially when it comes to the intensity of the game. It often seems like he’s playing on a whole different level. Yes, as if he were playing a different sport.” It is not unusual for Alcaraz’s opponents to be overwhelmed by the pace, even if the Spaniard is not having his best day. Just like his first appearance in Madrid on Friday, when he was serious in the trouble came against the Finn Emil Ruusuvuori (24), but improved a lot during the match (2: 6, 6: 4, 6: 2) And so today’s third round match against Grigor Dimitrov (31) makes it clearly.
Morgado also believes that the future of tennis – provided the Murcian is spared from injuries – clearly lies with Alcaraz: “He grew up in the heyday of Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. And it seems to me that he belongs to everyone took something, which of course is the perfect combination.”
Ferrero’s excellent intuition
Add to that the great physical condition of the right-hander at the age of 19. “He is physically at such a high level that he makes everyone look old. If he stays healthy, I don’t know if there is a limit for him,” says Marc-Andrea Hüsler (26). The Swiss, who is currently top ranked at ATP rank 76, is particularly impressed by Alcaraz’s enormous development during his youth: “I saw him play at a Challenger tournament in Italy four years ago. He was already there with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero (43). I thought the boy had quality. But I still didn’t realize what Ferrero saw in him then.”
Well, the former top player’s eye was clearly right. Ferrero cuts a diamond in the rough that now shines brightest on the tennis scene. Especially since there are still many question marks about the ailing Nadal and Djokovic before the French Open at the end of May. Morgado says: “I’m curious how and if Djokovic and Nadal will return soon. But anyway: Alcaraz can win any tournament at the moment. »
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
