Carlos Alcaraz has continued his rapid rise to the top of the men’s game. He started the year by losing a tough five-set contest against Matteo Berrettini in the third round of the Australian Open. The teenager then won the biggest title of his career at the Rio Open, an ATP 500 tournament. Alcaraz reached his first semifinal at the Masters 1000 level at Indian Wells. He went down to Rafael Nadal in three closely fought sets.
The Spaniard is having yet another great tournament at the Miami Masters, easing past Hubert Hurkacz to reach the final, where he’ll face Casper Ruud.
Carlos Alcaraz’s trainer reflects on the star
Carlos Alcaraz has won the hearts of fans in Miami, where he is supported in every game. His trainer, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who remained in Spain because of his father’s death, spoke for “Vamos” about the support his protege receives in California.
Ferrero stated that since he has worked with Alcaraz for a number of years, he knows that the Spaniard loves to play under pressure in front of full stands. He reflected that even since as young as the age of 14, Alcaraz was comfortable playing in front of full stands. He further added that the youngster has a certain charisma, which transmits in such situations.
“We worked on that over the years. He has always enjoyed playing in front of full stands. When I went to see him at the age of 14 during his first Challenger in Murcia where he won his first ATP points in front of full stands, he felt like a fish in water. The stands are in his favour, with his charisma and what he transmits, I’m sure he feels very comfortable ,” said Ferrero.
Earlier, following his scintillating win over Miomir Kecmanovic, Alcaraz paid an emotional tribute to Eduardo Ferrero, the late father of his coach. The Spaniard took the marker to perform the winner’s camera lens signing ritual. Even though players usually sign on the lens, that wasn’t the case with Alcaraz. Instead of signing, World No. 16 wrote, “Juanki x Eduardo”.
To anyone who says the ATP can’t handle the eventual retirements of the Big 3, listen to how the crowd in Miami just erupted as Carlos Alcaraz defeated Miomir Kecmanovic.
There’s always someone new to come along and capture the imagination of tennis fans. He’s one for sure.
— Mike McIntyre (@McIntyreTennis) April 1, 2022"No Rafa. No Roger. No Novak. No problem. The Miami Open has been given the best booster shot of all in the form of Carlos Alcaraz, a teen prodigy from Murcia, Spain, who seems destined for greatness." writes @hfialkov in the Miami Herald here https://t.co/Tn4xxuvPgc
— Randy Walker (@TennisPublisher) April 2, 2022Nadal mayn't be playing at Miami Masters but Alcaraz's there to delight the crowd with his power play. Worthy successor to Nadal as Alcaraz is, he too remains "focused, determined & aggressive" to win his matches. Big achievement to be in fourth round of Miami Masters. Wud go far
— Lachhmandass Bhatia (@LachhmandassB) March 29, 2022ncG1vNJzZmiemafAtb%2FPqKmtsl6YvK57056lp6GjYsGpsYysq5qmlKh6or7EZqCnZZiewG6ywK%2Bmrqpdn8KiuoycmKukn6h6p7HRq5yrp12nsqe4xJyrrGWfo3qkrdGlpqxlkaGwor7As6pmmZKeuarA2GarqGWRqcGzrcKtZJuhl2Kws7vWnapmnqKkum6tjLKmrqaXYq6osY4%3D