Category: Carlos Alcaraz

‘The fight is still there’ – Murray resilience hailed by Roddick after Miami exit

March 25, 2024

The former world No.1 battled hard in his quest for a last-16 place after winning the first set and moving two points ahead in the third-set tie-break, but the Czech progressed.

Despite his exit, Murray could come away with the positive of putting together back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

“But the guts of him has been the same. Even if he used to turn these matches and pull them, lately, he hasn’t been able to.

“The drama is still there, the fight is still there. In a way, this compromised version of Murray almost adds to his legacy with the way he’s grinded out the last four or five years.

“I certainly respect it; I don’t know if I or a lot of us could’ve done it. So, props to him if it is the last time we see him in Miami. It’s been a hell of a run, pal.”

However, he is hoping to do so after playing for Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympics and making an appearance at Wimbledon.

There is plenty of shared admiration for Murray, with Carlos Alcaraz adding to the plaudits for the three-time Grand Slam winner.

Murray posted on X that ‘watching Alcaraz play tennis makes me smile,’ and the Spaniard was clearly overjoyed by the Brit’s kind words.

“He’s great; I said many times that I only play for myself or my team, but it’s nice when people enjoy watching my matches,” Alcaraz told reporters.

“It’s pretty cool and it’s even better if a legend like Andy said he enjoys watching my matches. It’s crazy for me because he’s seen a lot of tennis in his career, as well as a lot of matches and players.

“These words from him are great and I try to play this in every match.”

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Corretja thrilled with Alcaraz's 'perfect' progression after Madrid win

May 9, 2022
Alex Corretja says Carlos Alcaraz is doing everything “perfectly” right now as he continued his rapid rise through the game with victory at the Madrid Open.

The 19-year-old thrashed defending champion Alexander Zverev in the final to win his second Masters title of the season.

Alcaraz also beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at the tournament and has won more matches this season (28) than any other player.

ATP Rome

‘A new car always looks better’ – Nadal admits Alcaraz provides a welcome upgrade

5 HOURS AGO

His victory in Madrid has lifted him to No. 6 in the world rankings and enhanced his claim as one of the favourites for the French Open, which starts on May 22.

“Alcaraz is superior from the others at this moment,” two-time French Open finalist Corretja told Eurosport.

“He is moving much faster, his aggression, it’s huge, he always goes with the right shot at the right moment, he mixed it up very well and he’s also playing very aggressive, but he also defends well, so it’s very difficult to beat him.

“He will still improve of course, he can be more patient at the time, he will serve better, I think he will just gain a little bit of more knowledge of the game, which I think he knows very well.

“But his mind, he sets up very calmly but at the same time very aggressive, you know, so it’s a big combination and it depends a lot on him. And this is such a good news as a player when you are on the court and you feel that you have the power, you also feel like: ‘OK, if I do well, I will end up winning’. That’s what is happening with Alcaraz right now.”

Alcaraz, who will not play the Italian Open this week as he recovers ahead of the French Open, impressed again with his drop shots in Madrid.

Amazing Alcaraz topples Zverev for Madrid crown

He also outhit most of his opponents and didn’t face a break point against Zverev in the final.

“You have to be brave, but at the same time you have to be patient,” said Alcaraz.

“Because it’s not only about hitting and 100 per cent power all the time, sometimes you need to mix it up with the balls, high balls, some drop shots, some kick serves.

“It’s just about understanding the game and understanding when do you need to choose one shot or another. And that’s why I feel like Alcaraz now is the best because this kind of mixed combination, he’s doing perfect.”

Zverev said after the final that he feels Alcaraz is the best player in the world right now.

Zverev takes aim at ATP scheduling following loss to Alcaraz in Madrid Open final

The world No. 3 also expressed his displeasure at having two late night-finishes ahead of the final.

“[Carlos] is playing amazing, there’s absolutely no doubt about it,” said Zverev on Sunday.

“But one thing I have to say is that the ATP’s job was an absolute disgrace this week. Two days ago I went to bed at 4am, 4:30am. Yesterday I went to bed at 5:20am.

“You know, if any normal person goes to bed one night at 4am, the next night at 5am, it will be a tough time just to be awake for them. And for me to play a final against Carlos Alcaraz, who for me is the best player in the world right now, in a Masters 1000 event, the next day, it is difficult.

“Today on court, I’m a little bit angry, I would say, because I had no coordination on my serve, I had no coordination on my groundstrokes. I missed two overheads that were super easy because I see the ball, and everything is moving in my eyes.

“I don’t want to take anything away, and today obviously, even if I’m fresh, probably I would not beat Carlos, but definitely it would be a better match.”

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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'A new car always looks better' – Nadal admits Alcaraz provides a welcome upgrade

May 9, 2022

Rafael Nadal appreciates the days of him being the exciting Spanish wonderkid are far behind him as the new kid on the block, Carlos Alcaraz, continues to take all the headlines in the build up to the French Open.

Nadal was beaten by his 19-year-old compatriot at the Madrid Open last week, before Alcaraz went on to see off Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev on his way to lifting the trophy.

The teenager has decided to sit out of the Italian Open in Rome, where Nadal is hoping to defend his title and win the tournament for the 11th time.

ATP Rome

‘Really tough’ – Thiem needs time on road to recovery, as Nadal and Wawrinka can testify

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Despite not even being in famous old city, Alcaraz’s incredible form still has everyone talking, and Nadal admits it is time for an upgrade.

“First, I think he is young, he is new and all the new things are much more interesting than older things. Without a doubt, when you see a new car, always looks better.

“When you see a new phone, always looks better than the old ones. So, it’s something that is normal in this life. I can’t complain at all about that. At the same time, I am happy to have somebody like him from my country achieving all the things that he is achieving”, he said.

Alcaraz will miss out on Rome due to an ankle injury – choosing to rest up to ensure he is ready to go when the next Grand Slam at Roland Garros kicks off.

Nadal can sympathise, having just recovered from a rib injury which took him out of action for six weeks, while an ongoing foot issue continues to plague the 21-time major winner.

“Of course, at my age, when you start having more problems than what you can manage, of course it is tough. Body issues, pains, you can manage that. The problem is when you start to feel that with all the things that’s going through your body, you can’t be competitive enough to fight for the things that really keep exciting you”, he said.

However, Nadal is still enjoying the sport, saying, “I like what I do, honestly. I am not playing anymore for things outside of my happiness and for things outside of my personal motivation.”

‘I’m ready to win a Grand Slam’ after ‘best week ever’ – Alcaraz

“For the moment I am happy. It is true that I went through, again, a tough period of time. But I am here to enjoy and to give myself a chance to play well here in Rome”, he said.

Nadal will face either John Isner or Francisco Cerundolo in his opening match of the Italian Open. Victories over Miomir Kecmanovic and David Goffin in Madrid have stood the 35-year-old in good stead heading to Foro Italico.

I am happy doing what I am doing. I still feel competitive when I am healthy enough.

However, after crashing out against Alcaraz, Nadal wants to see improvements, but knows, given his recent injury setbacks, that he must give himself time.

“I need to keep improving. In terms of movement, in terms of being more fitter, in terms of reading again the game. In general terms, (it was) not a negative week in Madrid, even if the tournament is probably the most difficult for me”, he said.

He cannot wait to get going in Rome, saying, “It’s a place that I love so much, amazing memories. I’ll try my best, as I do always. I hope to be ready to play a little bit better than last week. Let’s see.”

– – –

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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Corretja thrilled with Alcaraz’s ‘perfect’ progression after Madrid win

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Best in the world, but is Alcaraz favourite for the French Open?

May 9, 2022

There was an amusing exchange after Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Madrid Open semi-final when the red-hot 19-year-old was asked who the best player in the world is.

“Well, Djokovic, because he’s No. 1,” was Alcaraz’s answer.

Pressed again on who is the best player in the world at this moment, Alcaraz said: “I’m not going to tell you that. The one that I know, I’m not going to tell you. I was able to beat No. 1, but still I’m ranked No. 9. I still have eight players in front of me to be No. 1.”

Tennis

Alcaraz thrilled with ‘unbelievable final’, will skip Rome ahead of French Open

15 HOURS AGO

Eight is now down to five after Alcaraz won his second Masters title in Madrid. And any debate over his current standing in the men’s game seems less challenging to answer.

“Right now you are the best player in the world,” said Zverev after getting outplayed by Alcaraz in the Madrid Open final.
Since losing his opener in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz, 19, has won 10 matches in a row to secure titles in Barcelona and Madrid. Even though he beat both Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid, his demolition of Zverev was arguably Alcaraz’s most impressive performance. Zverev, who blasted the ATP afterwards for “disgraceful” scheduling that left him short of sleep, has won Madrid twice, including last year, and had never lost on the main court. He was completely outplayed by Alcaraz in a one-sided 62-minute final.

The stats behind Alcaraz’s stunning season are incredible:

  • Youngest player to beat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
  • First player to beat Nadal and Djokovic in same clay event
  • Youngest top-10 player since Nadal in 2005
  • Youngest top-20 player since Andrei Medvedev in 1993
  • Second-youngest player to win two Masters titles (Nadal, 18, in 2005)
  • Youngest player to win five titles since Nadal in 2004-05
  • Youngest player since 1990 to beat three top-five players at same event
  • A 5-0 record in finals

Has Alcaraz elevated himself into favourite for the French Open?

There’s little to count against him, except he hasn’t yet done it at a Grand Slam. He’s won some long matches on the ATP Tour, including the two longest this year, but two-week majors with potential five-set battles against Nadal and Djokovic are another challenge. Alcaraz has only played in the main draw at five Grand Slams and has only made it past the third round once. Few players have won a major at the sixth attempt, although Nadal did so at the French Open in 2005.

What’s so impressive about Alcaraz is that his game already seems to have it all. When he started making waves last year his raw power and attacking approach stood out. Add to that arguably the best drop shot on tour, quick movement around the court, a strong net game, and a smart mind, and you have a seriously good player. The power is there still – against Nadal and Djokovic he hit a combined 88 winners compared to 34 from his opponents – but Alcaraz is also thinking more about how to win points. He caused Djokovic big problems with his kick serve and was hugely successful when serve and volleying in Madrid, winning 17 of 18 points. He also has the hunger to continue to get better.

Zverev takes aim at ATP scheduling following loss to Alcaraz in Madrid Open final

“I think that I have to improve everything still. I have always said that you can improve everything. You never reach a limit,” he said after winning in Madrid.

“Look at Rafa, Djokovic, [Roger] Federer, all of them improve and they have things to improve. That’s why they are so good, and that’s why they are so much [of the] time up there, because they don’t stop. They keep on working and improving.

“That’s what I want to do. I want to keep on progressing. I have really good shots. I don’t say that I don’t have them, but I know that I can improve them and they can be even better.”

Just as players have had to work out ways to try and beat Nadal and Djokovic in the past, now the two greats will have to study how they can conquer Alcaraz. Neither will be sitting still after Madrid.

Nadal and Djokovic are set to play this week in Rome, where either one or both of them have reached the final every year since 2005, while Alcaraz will be taking a week off as he prepares for the French Open. Nadal will take encouragement from the fact he pushed Alcaraz close in Madrid, even though he is working his way back from a rib injury and the quicker conditions do not suit his game as much as in Rome and Paris. Djokovic looks to be building momentum and produced his best performances of the season before going down to Alcaraz in three sets. Had he converted more than just one of six break-point chances against the 19-year-old then the final result might have been different.

Whether Alcaraz is the favourite for the French Open, his stunning rise represents a serious threat to Djokovic and Nadal as they try to sweep up more Grand Slam titles. Nadal said it’s “obvious” there is now a changing of the guard after losing to his fellow Spaniard, and Alcaraz might soon move above Daniil Medvedev, Zverev and Tsitsipas as the biggest rival to Djokovic and Nadal at majors. It will be fascinating to see whether world No. 2 Medvedev, who is returning from injury next week in Geneva, Tsitsipas, who is 0-3 against Alcaraz, and Zverev, who not that long ago was being talked about as a member of the new ‘Big Three’, can counter.

All three have question marks ahead of the French Open, while Alcaraz is bursting with confidence.

“I think I’m ready to win a Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz after winning Madrid. “I think I’m ready to go for it. It’s a goal for me this year, to try to get my first Grand Slam. I’m going to work for it, let’s see what’s going to happen at Roland-Garros.”

Last year Alcaraz became the youngest player since Djokovic in 2005 to win a match at the French Open, and the youngest player to reach the third round since 1992. If he wins in Paris this year he would be the first male teenager to lift a Grand Slam title since Nadal won the French Open in 2005.

ATP Madrid

‘Best player in the world’ – Zverev hails Alcaraz after teen’s Madrid Open final win

20 HOURS AGO

ATP Rome

Rome Open draw: Djokovic and Nadal could meet in semis, Alcaraz may face Zverev

YESTERDAY AT 11:27

Best in the world, but is Alcaraz favourite for the French Open?

May 9, 2022

There was an amusing exchange after Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Madrid Open semi-final when the red-hot 19-year-old was asked who the best player in the world is.

“Well, Djokovic, because he’s No. 1,” was Alcaraz’s answer.

Pressed again on who is the best player in the world at this moment, Alcaraz said: “I’m not going to tell you that. The one that I know, I’m not going to tell you. I was able to beat No. 1, but still I’m ranked No. 9. I still have eight players in front of me to be No. 1.”

ATP Rome

‘Really tough’ – Thiem needs time on road to recovery, as Nadal and Wawrinka can testify

3 HOURS AGO

Eight is now down to five after Alcaraz won his second Masters title in Madrid. And any debate over his current standing in the men’s game seems less challenging to answer.

“Right now you are the best player in the world,” said Zverev after getting outplayed by Alcaraz in the Madrid Open final.
Since losing his opener in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz, 19, has won 10 matches in a row to secure titles in Barcelona and Madrid. Even though he beat both Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid, his demolition of Zverev was arguably Alcaraz’s most impressive performance. Zverev, who blasted the ATP afterwards for “disgraceful” scheduling that left him short of sleep, has won Madrid twice, including last year, and had never lost on the main court. He was completely outplayed by Alcaraz in a one-sided 62-minute final.

The stats behind Alcaraz’s stunning season are incredible:

  • Youngest player to beat both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
  • First player to beat Nadal and Djokovic in same clay event
  • Youngest top-10 player since Nadal in 2005
  • Youngest top-20 player since Andrei Medvedev in 1993
  • Second-youngest player to win two Masters titles (Nadal, 18, in 2005)
  • Youngest player to win five titles since Nadal in 2004-05
  • Youngest player since 1990 to beat three top-five players at same event
  • A 5-0 record in finals

Has Alcaraz elevated himself into favourite for the French Open?

There’s little to count against him, except he hasn’t yet done it at a Grand Slam. He’s won some long matches on the ATP Tour, including the two longest this year, but two-week majors with potential five-set battles against Nadal and Djokovic are another challenge. Alcaraz has only played in the main draw at five Grand Slams and has only made it past the third round once. Few players have won a major at the sixth attempt, although Nadal did so at the French Open in 2005.

What’s so impressive about Alcaraz is that his game already seems to have it all. When he started making waves last year his raw power and attacking approach stood out. Add to that arguably the best drop shot on tour, quick movement around the court, a strong net game, and a smart mind, and you have a seriously good player. The power is there still – against Nadal and Djokovic he hit a combined 88 winners compared to 34 from his opponents – but Alcaraz is also thinking more about how to win points. He caused Djokovic big problems with his kick serve and was hugely successful when serve and volleying in Madrid, winning 17 of 18 points. He also has the hunger to continue to get better.

Zverev takes aim at ATP scheduling following loss to Alcaraz in Madrid Open final

“I think that I have to improve everything still. I have always said that you can improve everything. You never reach a limit,” he said after winning in Madrid.

“Look at Rafa, Djokovic, [Roger] Federer, all of them improve and they have things to improve. That’s why they are so good, and that’s why they are so much [of the] time up there, because they don’t stop. They keep on working and improving.

“That’s what I want to do. I want to keep on progressing. I have really good shots. I don’t say that I don’t have them, but I know that I can improve them and they can be even better.”

Just as players have had to work out ways to try and beat Nadal and Djokovic in the past, now the two greats will have to study how they can conquer Alcaraz. Neither will be sitting still after Madrid.

Nadal and Djokovic are set to play this week in Rome, where either one or both of them have reached the final every year since 2005, while Alcaraz will be taking a week off as he prepares for the French Open. Nadal will take encouragement from the fact he pushed Alcaraz close in Madrid, even though he is working his way back from a rib injury and the quicker conditions do not suit his game as much as in Rome and Paris. Djokovic looks to be building momentum and produced his best performances of the season before going down to Alcaraz in three sets. Had he converted more than just one of six break-point chances against the 19-year-old then the final result might have been different.

Whether Alcaraz is the favourite for the French Open, his stunning rise represents a serious threat to Djokovic and Nadal as they try to sweep up more Grand Slam titles. Nadal said it’s “obvious” there is now a changing of the guard after losing to his fellow Spaniard, and Alcaraz might soon move above Daniil Medvedev, Zverev and Tsitsipas as the biggest rival to Djokovic and Nadal at majors. It will be fascinating to see whether world No. 2 Medvedev, who is returning from injury next week in Geneva, Tsitsipas, who is 0-3 against Alcaraz, and Zverev, who not that long ago was being talked about as a member of the new ‘Big Three’, can counter.

All three have question marks ahead of the French Open, while Alcaraz is bursting with confidence.

“I think I’m ready to win a Grand Slam,” said Alcaraz after winning Madrid. “I think I’m ready to go for it. It’s a goal for me this year, to try to get my first Grand Slam. I’m going to work for it, let’s see what’s going to happen at Roland-Garros.”

Last year Alcaraz became the youngest player since Djokovic in 2005 to win a match at the French Open, and the youngest player to reach the third round since 1992. If he wins in Paris this year he would be the first male teenager to lift a Grand Slam title since Nadal won the French Open in 2005.

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History-Maker: Alcaraz Continues Rewriting The History Books

May 9, 2022

Carlos Alcaraz continued to rewrite the history books at the Mutua Madrid Open, where he defeated Alexander Zverev on Sunday to earn his ATP Tour-leading fourth title of the season.

It was another accomplishment in a year full of astonishing achievement for the Spanish teen. Alcaraz’s victory at the Caja Magica in front of his home fans might have been his most impressive effort yet.

The 19-year-old defeated World No. 4 Rafael Nadal, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and World No. 3 Zverev to become the youngest player in the history of the ATP Tour (since 1990) to oust three of the top five players in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings at the same event. No other teen had previously done so. The next-youngest player who earned three such victories was 20-year-old Novak Djokovic in 2007 at Montreal, where he upset World No. 3 Andy Roddick, World No. 2 Nadal and World No. 1 Roger Federer to claim the title.

Alcaraz, who also triumphed in Miami, became the second-youngest player to win two ATP Masters 1000 titles. Only Nadal was younger when he accomplished the feat at 18 in 2005. The pupil of former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero also claimed his fifth tour-level title in Madrid, becoming the youngest to do so since Nadal, also in 2005.

ATP WTA Live App

Alcaraz is the youngest champion in the history of three of the four tournaments he has won this year: Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Madrid. His victory in Rio de Janeiro made him the youngest ATP 500 champion in series history (152 events).

One year ago, Alcaraz had still not cracked the Top 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. This year, he became the youngest to break into the Top 20 since Andrei Medvedev in 1993 and the youngest to crack the Top 10 since Nadal in 2005. On Monday, Alcaraz will move to a career-high World No. 6.

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Alcaraz Topples Zverev For Madrid Title

More Stats To Know:
– The Spaniard in Madrid became the first player to eliminate Nadal and Djokovic at the same clay-court event.

– He became the youngest player to defeat both Nadal and Djokovic. Only 11 other players have done it at the same tournament, and he is just the fifth to accomplish the feat on consecutive days.

– Alcaraz has won seven consecutive matches against Top 10 opponents dating back to the Miami Open presented by Itau, where he earned his maiden Masters 1000 crown.

– The Spaniard now leads the ATP Tour with 28 tour-level wins this year, putting him now victory ahead of Stefanos Tsitsipas. His four titles is also best on Tour, ahead of Nadal and Andrey Rublev, who have three each.

– Alcaraz now has a 61-21 record in his career. Earlier in the year, the Spaniard reached 50 wins in his 70th tour-level match. No player who has reached No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings earned his 50th tour-level victory in fewer matches.

Alcaraz thrilled with 'unbelievable final', will skip Rome ahead of French Open

May 8, 2022

Carlos Alcaraz says he is bursting with confidence after playing an “unbelievable final” to win the Madrid Open.

The 19-year-old continued his stunning start to the season by beating defending champion Alexander Zverev in just 62 minutes.

Alcaraz has now won two Masters titles in 2022 and is up to No. 6 in the world rankings.

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“I played an unbelievable final,” he told Eurosport.

“I went for it, I have the confidence right now for the next tournament, now it’s time to enjoy this moment, being champion and after today it’s time to focus on the next tournament.

“I always watch this tournament with great players and great champions, and to be part of the Madrid history, to be with these players, is so special. I work hard for it.”

After beating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to reach the final, Alcaraz produced a brilliant display to brush past Zverev, who blasted the ATP scheduling for depriving him of sleep.

Alcaraz did not face a break point during the final as he secured his seventh straight top-10 win.

Asked in his press conference whether he is the best player in the world right now, Alcaraz said: “Djokovic is No. 1 in the ranking. You know, because I have won Barcelona, and I have beaten Djokovic and Rafa yesterday in Madrid, I don’t consider myself the best player in the world.

“I consider myself a player that’s playing very well. You know, as the numbers speak by themselves, I think that I’m doing it quite well on clay right now.”

Alcaraz also revealed that he was suffering with an ankle issue ahead of the match and will not play the Italian Open this week.

He said: “Due to the fall that I had with Rafa, the ankle, I had a problem, and this morning it was a little more swollen. And also I had a blister in my feet which was a little bit infected, and it’s been a little bit tough start of the day. It was difficult for me to walk.

“I think that, you know, given the state of my feet and my ankle, I am really excited for fighting for a Grand Slam. I think that it’s better to rest, to recover my ankle, recover my feet, to be in Paris at 100 per cent.”

The French Open starts on May 22.

‘I’m ready to win a Grand Slam’ after ‘best week ever’ – Alcaraz

—

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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‘Best player in the world’ – Zverev hails Alcaraz after teen’s Madrid Open final win

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Rome Open draw: Djokovic and Nadal could meet in semis, Alcaraz may face Zverev

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Alcaraz thrilled with 'unbelievable final', will skip Rome ahead of French Open

May 8, 2022

Carlos Alcaraz says he is bursting with confidence after playing an “unbelievable final” to win the Madrid Open.

The 19-year-old continued his stunning start to the season by beating defending champion Alexander Zverev in just 62 minutes.

Alcaraz has now won two Masters titles in 2022 and is up to No. 6 in the world rankings.

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“I played an unbelievable final,” he told Eurosport.

“I went for it, I have the confidence right now for the next tournament, now it’s time to enjoy this moment, being champion and after today it’s time to focus on the next tournament.

“I always watch this tournament with great players and great champions, and to be part of the Madrid history, to be with these players, is so special. I work hard for it.”

After beating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to reach the final, Alcaraz produced a brilliant display to brush past Zverev, who blasted the ATP scheduling for depriving him of sleep.

Alcaraz did not face a break point during the final as he secured his seventh straight top-10 win.

Asked in his press conference whether he is the best player in the world right now, Alcaraz said: “Djokovic is No. 1 in the ranking. You know, because I have won Barcelona, and I have beaten Djokovic and Rafa yesterday in Madrid, I don’t consider myself the best player in the world.

“I consider myself a player that’s playing very well. You know, as the numbers speak by themselves, I think that I’m doing it quite well on clay right now.”

Alcaraz also revealed that he was suffering with an ankle issue ahead of the match and will not play the Italian Open this week.

He said: “Due to the fall that I had with Rafa, the ankle, I had a problem, and this morning it was a little more swollen. And also I had a blister in my feet which was a little bit infected, and it’s been a little bit tough start of the day. It was difficult for me to walk.

“I think that, you know, given the state of my feet and my ankle, I am really excited for fighting for a Grand Slam. I think that it’s better to rest, to recover my ankle, recover my feet, to be in Paris at 100 per cent.”

The French Open starts on May 22.

‘I’m ready to win a Grand Slam’ after ‘best week ever’ – Alcaraz

—

Watch the French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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'Absolute disgrace' – Sleep-deprived Zverev blasts ATP after Alcaraz loss

May 8, 2022

Alexander Zverev blasted the ATP scheduling as an “absolute disgrace” after he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in the Madrid Open final.

Defending champion Zverev lost a one-sided match 6-3 6-1 in just 62 minutes to Alcaraz.

The German praised Alcaraz as the “best player in the world” after the contest, but also expressed his unhappiness at having two late-night finishes.

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Corretja thrilled with Alcaraz’s ‘perfect’ progression after Madrid win

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Zverev’s semi-final win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday only started at almost midnight while his quarter-final victory against Felix Auger-Aliassime finished deep into the night.

“[Carlos] is playing amazing, there’s absolutely no doubt about it,” said Zverev on Sunday.

“But one thing I have to say is that the ATP’s job was an absolute disgrace this week. Two days ago I went to bed at 4am, 4:30am. Yesterday I went to bed at 5:20am.

“You know, if any normal person goes to bed one night at 4am, the next night at 5am, it will be a tough time just to be awake for them. And for me to play a final against Carlos Alcaraz, who for me is the best player in the world right now, in a Masters 1000 event, the next day, it is difficult.

“Today on court, I’m a little bit angry, I would say, because I had no coordination on my serve, I had no coordination on my groundstrokes. I missed two overheads that were super easy because I see the ball, and everything is moving in my eyes.

“I don’t want to take anything away, and today obviously, even if I’m fresh, probably I would not beat Carlos, but definitely it would be a better match.

“At the end of the day, I think all of us have stayed up late, all of us maybe partied sometimes, but if you’re staying up until 4am, the next day, you’re dead. If you’re doing it again, the next day until 5am, you will have a difficult time to even be awake.

Highlights: Zverev sets up Alcaraz final in Madrid after hard-fought Tsitsipas win

“He’s a great player. He’s the best in the world right now. But to be honest, I feel sad for the final that we played, because this could have been a very good match. This could have been a great match.

“But I had absolutely no chance today of being myself. I had absolutely no chance of playing my level. This is not the first time this is happening. In Acapulco I played until 5am, I was awake until 8:30am. This is happening on a weekly basis, and to be honest, I’m a little tired of it.”

Zverev and Jenson Brooksby set the record for the latest-ever finish in tennis history when they played until 4.55am in Acapulco earlier this year. The match started at 1.30am local time after the two longest matches in tournament history.

Zverev was the defending champion in Madrid but didn’t create a single break-point chance against Alcaraz.

Speaking in his on-court interview, Zverev said: “I want to congratulate Carlitos. Right now you are the best player in the world.

“It is great for tennis that we have such a new superstar that is going to win so many Grand Slams, that is going to be world No 1 and I think is going to win this tournament many more times.”

Zverev is third in the world rankings ahead of the Italian Open and French Open, while Alcaraz will move up to No. 6 on Monday.

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May 8, 2022

Carlos Alcaraz completed another fairy-tale week in his fledgling career as he overwhelmed reigning champion Alexander Zverev to win the Madrid Open.

The 19-year-old backed up victories over Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic en route to the final with an emphatic 6-3 6-1 success in just one hour and two minutes that cements his status as one of the favourites for this year’s French Open.

It also means Alcaraz is now an impressive 5-0 in ATP finals as he becomes the youngest five-time champion on tour since Nadal won seven titles by the same age in 2004-05.

Speaking during the trophy presentation, Zverev saluted Alcaraz’s 2022 exploits.

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Right now you are the best player in the world even though you are still five years old, you are still beating us all! It’s great to see for tennis that we have such a new superstar who is going to win so many Grand Slams and is going to be World No. 1. I think you are going to win this tournament many more times.

Reflecting on his sensational run in the Spanish capital, Alcaraz admitted it was a very special moment and revealed that growing up watching five-time champion Nadal at the tournament was an inspiration for him.

“It feels great to be able to beat these kind of players; two of the best players in the history and Zverev at No. 3 in the world,” he told Amazon Prime.

“I would say this is the best week of my life, so I’m going to enjoy this tournament a lot.”

He added: “Watching Rafa lift this trophy so many (times over the) years, gave me the power to work hard for this moment. It is a great moment for me. This is the first tournament I watched when I was a kid so lifting this trophy was so emotional.”

It was Alcaraz who made the early moves with Zverev forced to save the first break point of the match with an ace down the T to level at 2-2 following a trio of unforced forehand errors from the No. 2 seed.

The Spaniard continued to dictate the rallies with his full repertoire of shot-making and he made the breakthrough in devastating style when he dismantled the world No. 3’s serve to break to love and snare a 4-2 lead.

There would be no let-up either as the teenager confidently served out a 31-minute set to love to send the home crowd into raptures.

Zverev came into the final with a 19-2 record in Madrid, including nine straight wins, but he simply had no answer to the power, athleticism and tactical awareness of his opponent.

It was no surprise when Alcaraz broke again for a 2-1 lead early in Set 2 as he conjured up what is now a trademark drop shot to completely outfox the two-time champion and take the game to love.

Zverev was beginning to look lost and he all-but imploded with a couple of double faults and two awful volleys into the net to offer up the double break opportunity. Alcaraz duly seized it with a sumptuous lob and broke again on a fourth match point to claim his seventh top-10 win in a row.

The victory also sees Alcaraz become the first player to beat three top-four players at an ATP Masters 1000 event since David Nalbandian defeated Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer in the Spanish capital back in 2007.

Alcaraz was already guaranteed to rise to sixth in the world rankings on Monday but he will also move up to second place in the Pepperstone ATP Race To Turin, just 70 points behind Nadal in top spot.

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