In part one, I assessed how Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz continues to take the tennis world by storm after his victory in Barcelona.
Now I turn my attentions to his success in another famous Spanish city.
Madrid Masters victory
Alcaraz again began his Madrid Masters campaign in style, beating the dangerous Georgian Nicoloz Basilashvili in straight sets.
A stern test came in the form of Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who pushed the birthday boy that day to three sets.
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Alcaraz moving through 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3 to set up a blockbuster quarter-final clash with his idol Rafa Nadal.
Now, some context is needed that the 21-time Grand Slam was appearing in his first tournament back since recovering from a rib injury.
An opening round win against Serbian Miomir Kecmanović was backed up with a tight three-set triumph over Belgian David Goffin, with the veteran Spaniard saving four match points.
To his credit, Nadal pushed his young apprentice all the way, before going down 6-2, 1-6, 6-3, with the second set showing his obvious quality, despite being partially fit.
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If this moment was a changing of the guard in Spanish tennis, then Alcaraz’s impressive win over Novak Djokovic could point to the man who may dominant the future of tennis.
The world number one was fortunate to play a match less, after the shock withdrawal of old rival Murray in the third-round.
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But he was no match for the imperious Alcaraz who triumphed at front of the delighted home support, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 7-6 (7-5).
The first player ever to beat Nadal and Djokovic back-to-back on a clay court in the history of tennis.
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And Alcaraz made it a highly commendable 5-0 in finals, destroying Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-1, with little challenge unlike the previous encounters with Norrie, Nadal and Djokovic.
James Spencer (Twitter: @jspencer28) – Alcaraz Verdict
In truth, I had a sneaky feeling that Alcaraz would triumph in Barcelona.
The way he is playing with such finesse and confidence, particularly against the Monte Carlo Masters champion, Stefanos Tsitsipas, was incredible to see.
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Saving match points against Alex de Minaur, also showed his mettle.
He also has an unbelievable shot selection and fitness levels.
Beating Nadal and Djokovic back-to-back is no easy feat.
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Often just one win knocks the stuffing out of you, mentally and physically, but not for this kid.
Alcaraz doesn’t get carried away. And this has been shown consistently this season.
Winning the Miami Masters could have led to a drop in motivation, yet he has looked even more motivated if anything.
He’s performed on hard-court and clay court surfaces with an assuring dominance.
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In fact, he is unbeaten on clay this season, losing three times in total all season.
Matteo Berrettini in five at the Australian Open.
Nadal in the semis of Indian Wells in a tight three sets, that ultimately injured the elder Spaniard, which could have ramifications on his entire fitness this season, and the destination of the French Open trophy.
And a close three-set defeat to up and coming youngster Sebastian Korda in Monte Carlo.
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The new world number six must surely be the new favourite to WIN the French Open later this month.
Skipping the Italian Open should help the 19-year-old heal any niggling injuries.
If he does win in Paris, he will be the youngest Grand Slam champion since you guessed it, Nadal.
Only time will tell.
