Carlos Alcaraz He confirmed his preparation for the Australian Open by defeating the Australian Alexei Popyrin, 6-3 and 6-4, at Rod Laver Arena, central Melbourne Park where the first Grand Slam of the season will be played from January 12 to 26.
The Murcian, 21 years old and world No. 3, has not officially competed since the Davis Cup in November. He will continue the real competition at the Australian Open, against the Kazakh Alexander Shchevchenko in a game to be set this Monday.
The student of Juan Carlos Ferrero This appointment is marked with a thick line on the calendar. He has Wimbledon (2023 and 2024), Roland Garros (2024) and US Open (2022) under his belt.
His best result in three previous participations was the quarterfinals in 2024, a round in which he was eliminated against the German. Alexander Zverev. He was absent in 2023, in the middle of his ascent, due to a muscle injury in his leg.
According to the draw, the task will be difficult if the forecasts of a meeting in the quarterfinals with the Serbian are maintained. Novak Djokovicreuniting with Zverev in the semifinals and taking on the reigning champion, the Italian Jannik Sinnerin the final.
If he succeeds in Australia and has each of the four Grand Slam tournaments under his belt, he will make history. This would break a record set in 1928, nearly a century ago. The American Don Budge He completed the entire performance at Roland Garros 1938, at the age of 21 years and 266 days.
A precocity limit maintained, which will be Carlos Alcaraz if he lifts the trophy on Sunday, January 26, at the age of 21 years and 266 days.
It was achieved by Australian Rod Laver at the age of 24 years and 32 days, in 1962. During the professional season, which began in 1968, the record was Rafael Nadalwho won all the Grand Slams when he won the 2010 US Open, at 24 years and 102 days.
Roger Federer He had to wait 27 years and 303 days, until Roland Garros collapsed, in 2009. Same scenario for Novak Djokovic in 2016, at the age of 29 years and 15 days.
With a fifth Grand Slam title in Melbourne, Alcaraz will become the youngest professional to reach this milestone under 21 years of age. This will upset the current balance of 4 with the German Boris Becker and the Swedes Bjorn Borg and Mats Wilander.
Source: La Verdad
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