The 20-year-old Lorenzo Musetti defeated top seed Carlos Alcaraz 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-4 on Sunday in the Hamburg European Open final after letting go of five title points in the second set. The Italian had not reached a tour-level final until this week.
But after two hours and 47 minutes, Musetti triumphed over Alcaraz. Who will move up to a career-high No. 5 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings on Monday.
The second-youngest player to attain the milestone. Carlos’ march to the final ensured his ascension to No. 5 in the world before a ball was even hit.
He is older than fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who reached the top five in May 2005 at the age of 18 years, 11 months, and 6 days, at 19 years, two months, and 20 days.
Top Five Youngest Players Since 2000 To Reach The Top Five In The ATP Rankings
- Rafael Nadal – 9 May 2005 – 18y, 11m, 6d
- Carlos Alcaraz – 25 July 2022 – 19y, 2m, 20d
- Novak Djokovic – 30 April 2007 – 19y, 11m, 8d
- Lleyton Hewitt – 25 June 2001 – 20y, 4m, 1d
- Alexander Zverev – 11 September 2017 – 20y, 4m, 22d
Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz is surprised by his rise in the ATP rankings ahead of the US Open
Carlos Alcaraz on his meteoric rise at a young age
“It means a lot, as I work hard every day. Top 5 is pretty amazing and I will keep going to reach my dream, becoming world No 1.”
“It is an amazing city with amazing people, I enjoyed every single second here,” he told the Hamburg crowd. “See you soon!”
Carlos Alcaraz could be the ultimate champion in the near future.
Alcaraz began the 2021 season outside of the top 100, but he quickly rose to the top 40 after winning the Umag Open and making it to the US Open quarterfinals.
He extended his rapid ascent in 2022, winning four championships, including two ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, to climb into the top 10, where his participation in the Hamburg final propelled him to fifth position. His championship match in Croatia will come up next.
“Of course Umag is a special tournament for me. I got my first title there, so I’m defending the title this year,” he said. “But I’m going to try to play my best and of course take lessons from here.”
Carlos Alcaraz on his comparisons with his Tennis idols
It’s possible that the 19-year-old, who has been compared to a teenage Rafael Nadal, would succeed the 22-time Grand Slam singles champion when he retires. Alcaraz has asserted that he is just concerned with his own needs and disregards the expectations of others.
“I know what my goals are, I don’t think too much about the pressure that comes from outside. Always try to keep learning, keep adding experiences and always try to give my best version in each game.
“I feel that I play for myself, for my team and my family. I don’t focus on the expectations that people may have. Just push it away.”
Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz Net Worth 2022, Salary, Prize Money, Endorsements, Cars, Houses, Properties, Etc
