It was a historic season for Carlos Alcaraz, whose accomplishments in 2022 embody 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 yr, ATPTour.com requested the Spaniard for one of the best, largest, coolest and craziest issues to occur to him this season.
Carlos’ Largest Factor: Ending The Yr 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 quite a bit to me,” Alcaraz stated. “To get this trophy, the World No. 1, to be a part of tennis historical past together with lots of legends, for me is an incredible feeling.”
Andrea Gaudenzi and Carlos Alcaraz” />
Photograph Credit score: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Carlos’ Finest Factor: Profitable The US Open & Reaching World No. 1
Followers and analysts alike had Alcaraz on their radar nicely earlier than the beginning of the 2022 season, however few might 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 Rating.
“It is 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 stated. “For me it is unbelievable. It is one thing I dreamed since I used to be a child, since I began taking part in tennis. In fact, lifting this trophy right this moment is superb for me.”
Carlos Alcaraz” />
Photograph Credit score: Julian Finney/Getty Photos
Carlos’ Coolest Factor: Profitable The Mutua Madrid Open In Entrance Of Household & Mates
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 mates.
“I’m a really familial child. I’ve been a child that every time I can, I would quite be at dwelling than some other place,” Alcaraz stated after his win. “For me to have fun this title, which could be very particular, with my household, with my cousins, uncles, grandparents, all my household generally, it is very, very particular.”
Carlos’ Craziest Factor: A Coach’s Shock
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 yr later he was into his first ATP Masters 1000 championship match.
The one lacking piece was his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who was dwelling mourning the lack of his father. All through the event, Alcaraz paid homage to Ferrero and his household. The teenager was pushing by means of for him.
“After this occurred, it was robust for me, it was robust for him,” Ferrero stated of not being in Miami. “And even like this he might keep on the similar degree and attempting… to remain much more focussed.”
Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero” />
Photograph Credit score: Matthew Stockman/Getty Photos
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] crucial individual for me. On [the] skilled aspect, on the non-public aspect, he helps me quite a bit on either side,” Alcaraz stated after his victory. “After we are collectively, we are going to speak about every thing in life, every thing in our sport, about soccer, as nicely. I imply Juan Carlos, I take into account him a coach and a pal as nicely. So I can discuss to him about every thing.”