Playing in only his fourth Grand Slam main draw at the age of 18 Carlos Alcaraz has rewritten the record books after producing another gutsy win at the US Open.
The world No.55 clawed his way back from two sets to one down to beat Peter Gojowczyk 5-7, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Continuing his fairytale debut at the US Open where he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas earlier in the week. Alcaraz has become the youngest male player in the Open Era to reach the last eight of the US Open.
“It’s an incredible feeling, I’m super happy to win this type of game, also against very high-level opponents like today or like the other day against Tsitsipas. Taking games like this and getting into the quarter-finals of my first US Open leaves me feeling pretty incredible.” He told Eurosport Spain following his win.
Alcaraz has been tipped as a future star of the sport by many even prior to the US Open. He is coached on the Tour by former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero. Growing up the youngster unsurprisingly idolised Rafael Nadal who he has previously practised with. Coincidentally Alcaraz is the youngest player to be ranked as high as 54th since Nadal in 2004.
Gojowczyk is the second player in a row that Alcaraz has beaten in five sets. Something he believes wouldn’t be possible without the support of fans he has received.
“Everything that is happening to me is incredible, I did not expect to get this far here, in my first time in New York,” he said.
“The people (crowd) are on my side and that is surprising, without the support of all of them I could not be here. I have had bad moments in each game and thanks to them I have been able to pull up, they have made me get the best of myself.”
2021 has been a breakout season for the Spaniard where he has achieved a series of firsts in his blossoming career. He only just broke into the world’s top 100 for the first time in May. Two months later he claimed his maiden ATP title at the Umag Open. He has also reached the third round of the US Open this year.
“I am an ambitious boy, I don’t give up at all, I am not one of those who think that I have already achieved everything or that I have already reached my maximum. I always want more, I want to go for more. I trust myself and I trust my tennis, so I’m going for it.” Alcaraz stated.
Next up for the rising star will be a showdown with Felix Auger-Aliassime who is three years older than him and through to the last eight of a Grand Slam for the second time in a row. The Canadian beat Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4.
“Carlos is a great player. A great person also, I think. He deserves to be in that position. He’s going to be top of the game I think for many years in the future,” Auger-Aliassime said during his press conference.
“I think he’s playing good and he will keep playing well in this tournament, so I have to prepare myself for the best of him.” He added.
The upcoming match will be the first meeting between the two players on Tour.
