“The best guys are getting older”- Novak Djokovic’s absence at 2022 US Open led to Carlos Alcaraz’s rise, hints Andy Murray


“The best guys are getting older”- Novak Djokovic’s absence at 2022 US Open led to Carlos Alcaraz’s rise, hints Andy Murray

Carlos Alcaraz, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic

Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz has been the breakthrough performer of the year. He achieved his career-best rankings and went on to create history to become the youngest player to become the World No 1. Not to forget, his incredible performance at the US Open as he clinched his maiden Grand Slam singles title was very much appreciated across the globe. Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray went on to praise the accomplishments of the 19-year-old Spaniard.

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Alcaraz has already won four ATP titles throughout the year- the Rio Open, Miami Open, Barcelona Open, and the Madrid Open. He defeated the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Alexander Zverev to win the sixth ATP title of his career. He has managed to etch his name with his consistent performances in the era where Djokovic and Nadal are still dominating the Tour.

Murray comprehended the Spaniard’s breakthrough performances to the absence of the Serbian legend over his unvaccinated status. He said that “I think what Alcaraz has done this year has been special. I think also, what’s happened in the last few years and yes, there is always going to be a time when a generation passes or comes to the end of their career but some of the results have been aided by Novak not being able to play in Australia this year. He didn’t play at the US Open either.”

He, during an interview, claimed that the 21-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic is the best player in the business. He added that the absence at major tournaments of the Big-4 has been an added bonus to the current generation players. He said that “He is arguably still the best player in the world. And I think that has also influenced some of the results a little bit. The best guys are getting older and are playing much less. They’re not competing in all of the tournaments and it’s giving opportunities now for all of the other players.

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Carlos Alcaraz Alcaraz is looking for his fifth ATP title of the year at the Paris Masters

Carlos Alcaraz

He is eyeing his fifth ATP title of the year at the ongoing 2022 Paris Masters where he has advanced into the quarter-finals after defeating Grigor Dmitrov in straight sets. After becoming the World No 1, he had a shocking early exit at the Astana Open. Carlos Alcaraz had even advanced into the semifinals of the Swiss Indoors but lost to the eventual winner Felix Auger Aliassime.

Prior to entering at Bercy, there were doubts over his participation due to a knee problem that was spotted during his semifinal match at Basel. After undergoing further examination, he confirmed his participation and claimed that there isn’t anything too serious. He has already qualified for the first time for the Nitto ATP Finals and he looks to end the year on a good note by being the top-ranked player for the first time in the year-end rankings.

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