It was a historic season for Carlos Alcaraz, whose accomplishments in 2022 embrace successful his first ATP Masters 1000 title, his maiden Grand Slam championship and climbing to World No. 1 within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.
To wrap his 12 months, ATPTour.com requested the Spaniard for one of the best, greatest, coolest and craziest issues to occur to him this season.
Carlos’ Biggest Thing: Ending The Year As World No. 1
Alcaraz on the Nitto ATP Finals was recognised because the youngest year-end No. 1 within the historical past of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings (since 1973). The 19-year-old turned the primary teen to perform the feat.
“It means so much to me,” Alcaraz mentioned. “To get this trophy, the World No. 1, to be a part of tennis historical past together with numerous legends, for me is a tremendous feeling.”
Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Carlos’ Best Thing: Winning The US Open & Reaching World No. 1
Fans and analysts alike had Alcaraz on their radar properly earlier than the beginning of the 2022 season, however few may have predicted how shortly he soared. By defeating Casper Ruud within the US Open last, he claimed his maiden main crown and with it, the No. 1 Pepperstone ATP Ranking.
“It’s loopy for me. I’ve by no means thought that I used to be going to realize one thing like that at 19 years previous. So every thing [has] come so quick,” Alcaraz mentioned. “For me it is unbelievable. It’s one thing I dreamed since I used to be a child, since I began taking part in tennis. Of course, lifting this trophy immediately is wonderful for me.”
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Carlos’ Coolest Thing: Winning The Mutua Madrid Open In Front Of Family & Friends
Alcaraz claimed 5 of his six tour-level titles this season. The one which hit closest to dwelling — actually — was his victory on the Mutua Madrid Open. The Spaniard defeated three of the highest 4 gamers within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings — Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev — en path to the trophy in entrance of his household and associates.
“I’m a really familial child. I’ve been a child that every time I can, I’d relatively be at dwelling than elsewhere,” Alcaraz mentioned after his win. “For me to rejoice this title, which could be very particular, with my household, with my cousins, uncles, grandparents, all my household generally, it’s totally, very particular.”
Carlos’ Craziest Thing: A Coach’s Surprise
When Alcaraz superior to the Miami Open offered by Itau last, it was a particular second. In 2021 on his Miami debut, the Spaniard misplaced within the first spherical. One 12 months later he was into his first ATP Masters 1000 championship match.
The solely lacking piece was his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who was dwelling mourning the lack of his father. Throughout the match, Alcaraz paid homage to Ferrero and his household. The teen was pushing via for him.
“After this occurred, it was robust for me, it was robust for him,” Ferrero mentioned of not being in Miami. “And even like this he may keep on the identical stage and attempting… to remain much more focussed.”
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The evening earlier than the ultimate, Alcaraz acquired a shock when he circled within the lodge foyer to see his coach standing there. The pair shared an emotional embrace, simply as they did the next day after Alcaraz clinched the title.
“Juan Carlos [is a] essential particular person for me. On [the] skilled aspect, on the non-public aspect, he helps me so much on either side,” Alcaraz mentioned after his victory. “When we’re collectively, we’ll speak about every thing in life, every thing in our sport, about soccer, as properly. I imply Juan Carlos, I contemplate him a coach and a good friend as properly. So I can speak to him about every thing.”