
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 3, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece (not pictured) on day five of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Sep 3, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece (not pictured) on day five of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz was one of the stars of the show at the 2021 US Open. His incredible run of form bought him the highest praise from all quarters, and deservedly so. With his extraordinary display, he ensures a bright future for himself and for the sport. Even as his historic run came to an end, he bowed out as a true champion, with the world at his feet.
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18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz burst onto the scene after he won his first title at Umag, earlier this year. Ever since, the teenager has been on a record-breaking rampage. Walking into the US Open, few would’ve predicted the successful run he was about to have. Following one emphatic win with another, the Spaniard cruised his way into the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Carlos’ remarkable journey met with an unfortunate end as he had to retire midway through the quarter-final due to injury. But many believe this is just the beginning. Toni Nadal, the man behind one of the sport’s best players ever, believes Carlos has what it takes to be the next member of tennis’ most elite group.
Carlos Alcaraz, a successor of the ‘big 3’?
Undoubtedly, the young Spaniard’s performance at the Flushing Meadows will go down in history. On his way to the top, he beat the best in business. Notably, he knocked out World No. 3, Stefanos Tsitsipas, one of the favorites for the title. Courtesy of his performance, Toni Nadal, former coach of Rafael Nadal, his nephew, predicts a bright future for Carlos.
He said, “I believe that, in case someone had them, there are no longer doubts. Spanish tennis not only has a promising horizon; it has Carlos Alcaraz who is not only the present but, probably, the best-positioned player to succeed the members of the Big Three on the world stage.”

via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Madrid Open – Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain – May 5, 2021 Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz Garfia after their round of 32 match REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Dubbed as the next Rafael Nadal, Carlos put on a show, throughout the campaign in New York. However, gearing up for the important quarter-final clash, he wasn’t ready for what was about to come.
Watch this story: Oldest and Youngest US Open Champions Including Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Others
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An unfortunate end
Carlos met fellow youngster, Felix Auger-Aliassime in a highly anticipated clash. However, just two sets into the game, Carlos retired, citing injury concerns. His remarkable journey came to an end, as he bowed out of the tournament, with his head high, proud of the history he had re-written.
History 🇪🇸
18-year-old @alcarazcarlos03 is a Grand Slam quarter-finalist! pic.twitter.com/VD8z3FVhxQ
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 6, 2021
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Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest male player in the open era to qualify for the quarter-finals, at the US Open. Notably, with his surreal run of form, he promises a secure future for Spanish tennis. But more so, he marked the beginning of what will surely be an immensely decorated career.
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