Former world number three David Ferrer has reflected on his first ever meeting with Carlos Alcaraz, saying he already knew there was “something special” about the young Spaniard.

Carlos Alcaraz has had a record-breaking year in 2022 as he became the youngest ever player to claim an ATP 500 title and became the third youngest Masters title winner in Miami last month.

Last week, as a result of his fourth career title at the Barcelona Open last, he broke into the top ten for the first time becoming the ninth youngest player ever to do so and the youngest since Rafael Nadal in 2005.

All these achievements came before his 19th birthday, yet one former pro saw Alcaraz’s potential for success when he was just 14-years-old.

Former French Open finalist David Ferrer has reflected on when he first met the man from Murcia, as the pair hit some balls and also played a tie-break at a tennis club in Alicante.

Ferrer said he was taken back by the teen’s speed, both with his hands and across the court as he told the ATP Tour Insider, “If he didn’t beat me, he was very close. It was surprising to see his ball speed, but above all that I couldn’t hurt him with my flat ball.

“He used his hands very well and I could see that he was very fast. For that age he had very good footwork and it was very difficult to hit a winner against him.

“I’m not saying it to look clever, but right then I saw something special in him, something different to any other player.

“I’ve trained with a lot of young boys. But when a 14-year-old copes with your tempo like that and you can see his desire to beat you in a tie-break – while always being respectful – it’s because he has something special.”

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