Carlos Alcaraz will always have the 2022 tennis year to look back on with bittersweet memories. This was his landmark, breakthrough year, one he will always remember long after he has hung up his racket with his likely multiple Grand Slam titles.
It was the season he rose from World No.32 to the top of the pile, becoming the youngest ever male World No.1 in the process. It was the year he won his first Grand Slam, perhaps the dawn of a new tennis dynasty. He won five ATP Titles, including two ATP Masters1000 events, beating the likes of Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic and his hero Rafael Nadal along the way.
But his stellar year has been bookended by a cruel end, unable to go into the season ending ATP Finals in Turin as the top dog thanks to an abdominal tear suffered in a quarter-final clash with fellow young hotshot Hulger Rune, forcing his withdrawal.
It means, instead of Alcaraz taking his rightful place in Italy amongst his tennis peers, he must make do with watching how the finals will unfold from his Spanish home, whilst working on that torn ab.
And it could be a tough watch for the young Spaniard, knowing it is now outwith his own control whether or not he stays No.1 into the new year.
Because gunning for his crown is Nadal and Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas, both still with a chance of nipping in at the last minute and taking it from him.
Whatever happens, 2022 won't define the 19-year-old champion, but it could well mould him, and it remains to be seen if he spends Christmas rejoicing his tennis season, or if those celebrations are tainted with some sense of regret.
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