Carlos Alcaraz pips the Big-3 to THIS record after winning the 2022 Rio Open

Carlos Alcaraz pips the Big-3 to THIS record after winning the 2022 Rio Open

Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal

Carlos Alcaraz shocked everyone with his skills and talent when he defeated Argentine veteran Diego Schwartzman to win the 2022 Rio Open. Alcaraz won the match 6-4, 6-2 to pick up his second career title and his first ATP-500 title which is now his biggest career title. The Spanish teenager dropped only 2 sets throughout the tournament to win the title.

The win takes Alcaraz to the 20th spot on the ATP rankings, a jump of 9 places from the time when he started the tournament having become the new World No. 29 after the 2022 Australian Open concluded. Carlos has also become the youngest champion at the Rio Open since the tournament began in 2009. Carlos is currently the youngest player in the Top-250 of the ATP rankings sitting on the 20th spot.

While it was certainly a big win, it was also a multiple record-breaking win. He becomes the youngest player since 2005 to break into the Top-20. The 2005 record was set by Rafael Nadal who achieved the feat at the age of 18 years and 305 days while Alcaraz achieved it at the age of 18 years and 292 days. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic had already celebrated their 19th birthday when they broke into the Top-20 and the Spanish teenager can truly relish this fact throughout his life.

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Carlos Alcaraz beats Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to another record

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz

While Federer and Djokovic have won titles across all surfaces including the Grand Slams, the two players have failed to win an ATP-500 tournament on Clay. Djokovic has won 17 Clay titles from 30 final appearances which include 2 French Open and 10 Masters-1000 titles while the remaining 5 are ATP-250 titles.

As for Roger, he has 11 Clay titles from 26 final appearances including 1 French Open and 6 Masters-1000 titles while the other 4 titles are ATP-250 titles. Alcaraz’s both tour titles so far have come on clay and the teenager will be delighted to know of having already surpassed the tally of tennis greats.

Carlos Alcaraz’s ranking debuts:

  • Top 200 debut on September 14, 2020 (after reaching a Challenger final in Italy)
  • Top 100 debut on May 24, 2021 (after winning a Challenger title in Portugal)
  • Top 50 debut on September 13, 2021 (after reaching first Grand Slam QF at US Open)
  • Top 30 debut on January 31, 2022 (after reaching 3rd Rd of Australian Open)
  • Top 20 debut on February 21, 2022 (after winning first ATP 500 title in Rio de Janeiro)
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