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CARLOS ALCARAZ US Open 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News, US Open Tennis

‘What Carlos Alcaraz is doing is stratospheric’, declares expert


A former world number two has praised the “courage” of Carlos Alcaraz and described what the 18-year-old is achieving as “stratospheric”.

Alex Corretja – an analyst and commentator for Eurosport – has spoken of being “amazed” by his fellow Spaniard already accomplishing a goal for 2021 he publicly set for himself.

Alcaraz has made it through to the third round of the 2021 US Open – after reaching the same stage at the French Open in June.

As well as rising from a ranking of 141 to a career-high of 54 this year, Alcaraz claimed his first ATP title in Umag in July, and has won matches at all four majors.

“I believe that the step forward has already been taken. What Alcaraz is doing is stratospheric,” two-time French Open finalist Corretja told Marca.

“It amazes me that you asked a 17-year-old boy a year ago his goal for 2021 and he already told you that it was the top 50. He has already [almost] achieved it and has said it openly, which shows his courage.”

Alcaraz will face world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last 32 in New York on Friday – in what will be a first meeting between the two young stars.

The 18-year-old convincingly beat world number 29 Cameron Norrie in straight sets in the first round, before seeing off Arthur Rinderknech in four sets.

Alcaraz also made the semi-finals of the ATP 250 tournament in Winston Salem last week – his third ATP last four appearance after Marbella and Umag.

Corretja won 17 ATP titles during a fine career, before retiring in 2005.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.