Carlos Alcaraz Leaves Behind Legendary Compatriot Rafael Nadal in a Historic Ranking Feat

Spanish prodigy, 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz Garfia is one of the most talked-about youngsters in the ATP circuit. Turning pro in 2018, the Spaniard has already won 2 ATP tour-level titles, the 2021 NextGen Atp Tour Finals, and 4 ATP Challenger Tour titles.

Carlos has been having a decent tour run since the time he reached the semi-finals of the 2021 ATP 250 Marbella Open. Last year he won the NextGen ATP Tour Finals, along with ATP 250 Umag Open. Following his form, he has also won the ATP 500 Rio Open. Playing such a high level of tennis has not just made him win tournaments but has also given him a breakthrough into the Top 20.

However, entering the Top 20 has not only given him Alcaraz a new ranking but has also inducted his name into the record books.

The new record holder of Top 20

Carlos Alcaraz won the ATP 500 Rio Open, beating the 3rd seed Argentinian Diego Schwartzman in straight sets. Ending the tournament on Sunday, the ATP released its new rankings today, 21st February. The Spaniard, who was previously on the 29th spot, moved 9 places to reach the 20th spot. 

However, there was something bigger in the picture. Carlos joined the elite club of tennis greats like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, to become the youngest active player to enter the Top 20. At 18 years 292 days, he left behind his idol Rafael Nadal, who entered the Top 20 at 18 years 305 days. 

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic reached the milestone at more than 19 years. Other active players in the list include Richard Gasquet (19 years 16 days), Andy Murray (19 years 98 days), Felix Auger-Aliassime (19 years 10 days), and Jannik Sinner (19 years 245 days).

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Carlos takes the 3rd position in the all-time youngest players to enter the Top 20. The list is topped by American great Pete Sampras at 18 years 198 days. The second in line is the 1999 French Open finalist, Ukraine’s Andrei Medvedev at 18 years 217 days.  

Other record of Carlos Alcaraz

Winning the Rio Open, Carlos has not just his name in the list of youngest Top 20 players. He has also become the youngest player to win an ATP 500 champion, since the introduction of the category in 2009. 

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