This is how Alcaraz and Rune played as children, now rivals at Wimbledon

Carlos Alcaraz This is the youth sensation of the moment. He arrived like a thunderbolt on the professional men’s circuit, at the age of 19 he won the US Open and became the youngest world number one in ATP history.

At the age of 20, he continues to lead the ATP rankings, vying for position with the legendary Novak Djokovic, and it’s a favorite wherever you go. Also at Wimbledon, close to the Serbian champion in the forecasts, after debuting his record on grass at the Queen’s ATP 500 tournament.

This is only his fourth event on grass, but he is already going strong at the All England Club, where he has improved to the round of 16 in 2022. “And I want more, I’m ready for more at this level, ” warned the Murcian after dismissing the Italian Matteo Berrettini.

the danish Holger Rune20 years and a few days older than the Spaniard, became known worldwide by winning the Masters 1000 ATP in Paris-Bercy, where he lost in the semifinals Alcaraz, who suffered an abdominal injury while dominating him 3-6, 6-6, no Djokovic Eventually.

He was not able to reach the level of Alcaraz, but he already occupies a good sixth point in the world, which makes him compatible with a certain reputation as a ‘bad boy’ due to his aggressiveness on the pitch. He doesn’t hold back on shouts or gestures, he takes advantage of any opening to get into a game, of any kind.

Alcaraz and Rune They have a corresponding appointment this Wednesday in their new career. Both made their debut in a Wimbledon quarterfinal, and only one will debut in the semifinals.

Since they were young they have been competing, as well as joining forces in doubles. Their names are derived from the base categories. Alcaraz recalls that “we have shared great moments since we were 12 years old. My first memory of him is seeing him in Mallorca sub12, the first time we played there.”

He recalled that “at that age we were the best. We got along, we made it to the semis in that tournament. We shared great moments. I’m glad to see that now, at the age of 20, we’re competing in a Grand Slam quarterfinal. It’s great see that we are fulfilling our path”.

There are videos that testify to the common experiences of Alcaraz and Rune in events as prestigious as the French Les Petits As sub-14.

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Holger Rune He explains that it was in 2017, “and it was funny because Carlos didn’t speak English. We had to gesticulate. We didn’t talk much, but we understood each other.”

Interestingly, they did not win the singles. Alcaraz lost in the round of 16 to the American Toby Kodat (now 510 ATP), Rune, the first seed, fell to the eventual champion, the Italian Luca Nardicurrent no. 154 ATP.

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In doubles they had a bye in the quarterfinals against the Americans Toby Kodat and Martin Damm.