Djokovic absent, Nadal injured, is it a chance for Alcaraz to win Grand Slam?

| by Zachary Wimer

Carlos Alcaraz is the third-seeded at this year's US Open and the 19-years-old Spaniard will have a shot at his first Grand Slam title.

Last year, Daniil Medvedev won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open and the Russian is defending it this year, but teenage star from Spain, Carlos Alcaraz will do his best to prevent that from happening.

The 19-years-old Spaniard showed his qualities this year and he managed to climb all the way to the fourth place of the ATP Rankings after winning titles in Miami, Barcelona and Madrid. Carlos Alcaraz is one of the best players of the season and the ATP Race rankings confirm it.

"No one wants to see that" - Alcaraz after advancing at the US Open thanks to a retirement
"No one wants to see that" - Alcaraz after advancing at the US Open thanks to a retirement

Only Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas earned more points that the youngster and already after the 2022 US Open, he can become world number 1. The Spanaird was considered to be one of the favourites also at the Roland Garros, especially thanks to the hype he gained at events in Barcelona and Madrid where he triumphed back-to-back.

However, he lost already in the quarterfinals to Alexander Zverev and only watched his compatriot Rafael Nadal lift his 14th title in the French capital. At the 2022 US Open, the situation is different. Novak Djokovic doesn’t play at the tournament, Rafael Nadal is not 100% fit and Alexander Zverev is also absent from the event.

"You can learn a lot from him" - Norrie after practice session with Alcaraz
"You can learn a lot from him" - Norrie after practice session with Alcaraz

Looking at the draw, Alcaraz could be considered as the biggest favourite of the bottom part and his first match against a higher-ranked player could come in the semifinals against Rafael Nadal. If he succeeds, he will most probably meet world number 1, Daniil Medvedev in the final and so the last two matches will be crucial for the Spaniard.

Before reaching the semifinals and playing his childhood idol, the Spaniard will play enough matches to build his confidence. He didn’t lack that even before the event started as he didn’t hesitate when asked about who will win the tournament.

If he beats all of his opponents without any major troubles, like he experienced against Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the Roland Garros, the 19-years-old Spaniard can be even considered as a favourite against Nadal in the semifinals and it will be most certainly the biggest chance so far for Carlos Alcaraz to win his first Grand Slam title.

Rafael Nadal furious about wife's hospital visit video becoming public
Rafael Nadal furious about wife's hospital visit video becoming public

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