Way back when, Rafael Nadal won his first tournament in 2004 in Sopot, he was only 18 years old. The next year, he won 11 titles, including at Roland Garros.
Another young player, Carlos Alcaraz, just won Rio de Janeiro, smacking Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2. Yes, Schwartzman was tired, as he had played some long matches, but Alcaraz was so concentrated and mashed the ball. Not only is he fast, but he can change it up. His coaches have helped a lot over the past year. He returns pretty good, and he thinks hard, on the court. He also knocked down Matteo Berrettini and Fabio Fognini. Amazing, Alcaraz is already ranked No. 20
“To be in the top 20 was a goal for me at the end of the year (2021) and to be able to do that at the beginning is amazing,” Alcaraz said. “I feel I’m close to the top players. I’ve already beaten some Top 10 players. With the level I showed today and the feelings I have, I think that I’m ready to be among those kinds of players. When I’ve played against the top players, apart from against Rafa [at the 2021 Madrid Masters 1000 tournament], I was close. I think I have the level to play against the top players. I’m getting closer every tournament that I’m playing.”
Alcaraz was tired, so this week he pulled out in Acapulco.
Rublev/Auger-Aliassime
One year ago, Rublev won the 2021 Rotterdam, when he upset Stefano Tsitsipas. Last week, Rublev was very rugged, and he can hustle. The No. 7 Rublev raised the bar. He has reached 14 finals, winning nine, and he lost five. The good news is that last year, he reached the final at the ATP Masters 1000s, at Monte Carlo and Cincinnati. But the so-so news is that if he wants to snap into the top 5, win an ATP 1000, or a Grand Slam, he must pick it up and change a few things, like when he rushes into the net, and when he returns. He has to be focused 100 percent.
“I had to increase my level otherwise I would have had no chance against Felix,” Rublev said. “I was thinking it would go to three sets. But somehow I was able to raise my level and in the end it was tough. All the battles I have had with Felix since the first time back in 2018 have had drama. All have had at least one set that went 7-6 and now he is one of the greatest players. Especially this season, he is on top now.”
Norrie gets two tiebreaks over Opelka
In Delray Beach, Cameron Norrie edged Reilly Opelka 7-6(1) 7-6(4). Norrie did not start well this year, but finally, he turned it around. He was thoughtful, and his shots around on the court. The lefty looks very fast, and he can grab matches at the hardcourt events. That week, his first serve was excellent, and his forehand was fatal. The Brit is back in the game.
“I’m able to dictate the play from the beginning of the point,” Norrie said.
“I’m definitely more aggressive than I was when I [first] came on tour. I had a tendency to be too passive in the bigger moments and I’ve changed that a little bit. I’ve been the one being the protagonist, the one executing the short balls and moving the other guy.”