Carlos Alcaraz has breezed through the fourth round after a complicated second round match. It’s clear that he believes in his chances to win his first slam.
Alcaraz is only 19 years old, yet he has more power and composure than the rest of the tour’s more senior players. Some of his forehand returns quickly outpaced his more experienced opponent, not because of position but because of the sheer speed he canconjure.
Alcaraz believes
Before the start of the tournament, the 19-year-old stated that he believed he has the capacity to compete well in Grand Slams.
“I’m ready to play in Roland-Garros.” Alcaraz said during the Rome Masters. “I think I’m able to get great results in Grand Slams.”
“Roland-Garros is a good challenge for me. It’s a bit different [playing five sets]. Playing best-of-five means more time on the court, you have to be more focused during more time and playing these types of players is tougher, but we are ready.”
A great season
The teen’s life has changed significantly over the last year. Alcaraz was ranked No. 97 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings when he had to qualify for Roland Garros a year ago. He is now one of the tournament’s favorites after winning two of the season’s first five ATP Masters 1000 events.
One of those victories came in Madrid, where Alcaraz beat Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev in a row to establish himself as a contender in Paris.
“I am trying to be focused just on the tournaments, on the matches, and not trying to be a part of the social media and everyone talking about you,” said Alcaraz. “I just focus on what I have to improve, what I have to do in the matches, what I have to do… every day to be ready for the tournament.”
Alcaraz will face a challenge in Khachanov in round 4, but the betting markets and most tennis fans seem confident in his ability to keep coming through tough matches. Alcaraz believes and tennis fans believe in him. What do you think of his chances to win his first slam in 2022?
