Winning last year's US Open proved to be a career-altering moment for Carlos Alcaraz as tennis fans warmed to his meteoric rise.
Alcaraz instantly noted his cult-hero status that so often emanates from winning a maiden Grand Slam title. But the Spaniard didn't just walk out of New York with one title but he also became the youngest ATP No. 1 in history following his victory over Casper Ruud in the final.
His surname quickly became a household name. Sponsors hastened to sign him up with the most lucrative offers on the table. Due to his talent and consistency, he saw his stock rise sharply on social media platforms. Even the tennis skeptics finally caved into accepting him as tennis' newest star.
Alcaraz returned to New York this week looking to defend his title and acknowledged his life has completely taken off since he won his first major title, almost as if all the things that happened haven't sunk in yet. But the 20-year-old admits one thing has never changed since that remarkable night at Flushing Meadows 12 months ago - his personality.
"Well, my life change a lot, a lot (smiling). Probably is a different life, talking about the way that I'm more, let's say, famous. A lot of people is starting to know my name after the US Open last year, for example.
"The personal life didn't change at all. I'm the same guy, normal guy. Obviously, I feel that I'm more mature on court. I feel that I'm a better player than I was a year ago. Even I got my first Grand Slam last year, but I feel like I'm more mature and I'm better."
Alcaraz's endearing personality has been the hallmark of his early success. This undoubtedly explains how he gets on well with his fellow pros. Goran Ivanisevic called him 'a great creature' and 'a phenomenal person', just a few weeks after he defeated his charge Djokovic in a Wimbledon final.
The 20-year-old has always embodied the spirit of positivity and professionalism, always playing with a smile on his face. When he played at the US Open for the first time back in 2021, he was still a rookie. But fast forward to 2023, he will certainly hope to continue attracting attention as he looks to forge another chapter of his storied young career.
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