Carlos Alcaraz, like 99 percent of the tennis world, already thought this Monday (around 8:00 pm) the champion of the US Open and No. 1 will still have one of his favorite players to train in front, because of his great work intensity. But the British lefty Cameron Norrie, No. 16, was surprised at the Italian Matteo Arnaldi, 22 years old and world number 61, who prevailed 6-3, 6-4 and 6-3.
A rookie in New York, with only three Grand Slam matches before this date, he made it into the top sixteen in the draw. The Australian’s first round withdrawal was exploited Jason Kubler and his marathon victory over the French Arthur Phils. Hits without the luster of an unstoppable run on the tough Norrie.
An unexpected cross for Alcaraz, 20 years old, before the participation box really hardened. If he meets the forecast against Arnaldi, the Italian awaits him in the quarterfinals Jannik Sinner or the german Alexander Zverev. In the semifinals he was aiming for a Russian opponent, Daniel Medvedev either Andrei Rublevbut not forgetting the Australian Alex de Minaur.
There is no record of this new rivalry between Alcaraz and Arnaldi. Logically since he started the campaign 134 in the ranking, he has to find life in the Challenger ATP tournaments, Second Division, or in the previous stages of the ATP.
He quickly added ATP points. He won the Challengers of Tenerife 2 and Murcia, surpassing the previous stage of the Conde de Godó Trophy, where he opened his tally of ATP victories, at the cost of Jaume Munar, who would eventually take revenge in the second round. Previously, Arnaldi knocked out the Norwegian Casper Ruud, a prestigious win.
Steady climb. Unrelated premieres at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, a title at the Heilbronn Challenger and semifinals in Umag. Advancement especially in clay. He passed the ‘qualy’ of Toronto, Daniel Medvedev He stopped him, 6-2 and 7-5.
Like a small ant, making a hole in the main circuit. “It was crazy at the beginning of the year to think that I was here. I have no words, acknowledged Arnaldi, supported by his main coach, Alessandro Petrone, a former player who didn’t improve the ATP position 397. As well as his girlfriend, the Australian Mia.
Near him, a compatriot and manager, Fabio Fognini. They are both from Sanremo. At the age of 36, the oldest is already planning his future, and created the representation company Back to Next. Among his signees, Arnaldi, who at the age of 12 stopped swimming, skiing, soccer or judo. He maintains his sports profile along with his hobbies. He likes motorcycles, especially Formula One and MotoGP. He also has eyes on the NBA. He broke the standards of his country in soccer: he declared himself an interista, but confessed that he did not follow it much.
He has Fognini’s advice, but “I like Djokovic, for his ability to counterattack, but if I had to choose one thing, it would be the view of the game of Roger Federer”, he pointed out to the Italian media.
He will have an opponent in front of him who mixes the characteristics of both, with touches of nadal. “Since I saw the draw, my goal was to play against Alcaraz. I wanted to think match by match so that now I can already enjoy this moment”, said Arnaldi. “I don’t want to say that our tennis is the same, but he is physical and I am a little bit too, I like to play a lot, that the game lasts.”
It will debut in a big stadium. “It will be exciting at first. I hope it will be a great, intense game”. Do not doubt that it will be fast. The imposer Alcarazalready a quarterfinalist in his first Open, at age 19.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
