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Carlos Alcaraz Miami Open 2022

‘I’m not scared of fame’ – Top 10 Carlos Alcaraz makes tennis history


Carlos Alcaraz has reached the top ten ATP rankings for the first time following his triumph at the Barcelona Open, making history in the process as he becomes the youngest player to break into the top ten since a certain member of the ‘Big three’ back in 2005.

Despite his early exit from the Monte Carlo Masters, the 18-year-old Spaniard has been in red hot form, rising through the rankings following record-breaking title wins at both the Rio Open in February and at the Miami Open.

The man from Murcia, who was ranked eleventh in the world before Barcelona Open, has moved up to number nine in the world following his fourth career ATP title.

The teen beat compatriot Pablo Correno Busta comfortably in straight sets to lift his third title of 2022 as well as top off a fantastic week by confirming his place among the world’s top ten.

By doing so, Carlos Alcaraz is the ninth youngest man to crack the top ten and the youngest to do so since Rafael Nadal in 2005.

Speaking post-match to reporters, Alcaraz discussed his title win and his rapid rise through the rankings as he believes he still has room to improve.

“I’ve always been a normal guy. I’m not scared of fame, I’m not going to change the person I am.

“I’m happy to know that at 18 years old I’m in the Top 10, and to do it [at] the same age as my idol Rafa is impressive.

“I don’t have any limits. I want to keep playing at the level I’m at and I think that if I keep going like this I have a lot of options to keep going up. I want to keep enjoying myself on the court, I don’t want to touch the ceiling yet.”

Carlos Alcaraz also discussed the pressures and sacrifice faced in order to reach the top as he told reporters, “I have Juan Carlos, who is able to tell me how difficult it is and how much of a sacrifice it takes to reach number one.

“I think I’m on the right path. If I stay on it and continue to do things well, I will have chances, but that doesn’t guarantee anything.”

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