Mystery over Carlos Alcaraz post match message is resolved

ATP Tour

Kevin Palmer
March 29, 2023

The seemingly unstoppable Carlos Alcaraz claimed his ninth straight win as he brushed aside Tommy Paul 6-4 6-4 in the last 16 of the Miami Open – and he left TV viewers confused with a post-match message.

Alcaraz, fresh from his recent success in Indian Wells, seldom gave the American a look-in in a dominant performance which saw him hit 22 winners to book a quarter-final clash with Taylor Fritz.

The 19-year-old, who needs to win the title to retain top spot in the rankings, told atptour.com: “I played a really great match and I hope to play the same level in the quarter-final.

“I moved well and defended well and I counter-attacked, and I think if I play at that same level I will have a lot of chances to go through.

“I feel at home in Florida. It’s easy to play for me in Miami with all the energy I receive from the crowd, it’s amazing.

“I enjoy it and I think that’s the key why I play at such a high level for every match. I’m really happy with the level I’m playing and hope to keep going.

“I played a really great match and hope to play the same level in the quarter-finals. I moved well, defended very well and attacked as well. If I play the same level I’m going to have a lot of chances to get through the quarter-finals.”

This was another magical and powerful performance from Alcaraz, who is backing up his status as the world No 1 as he attempts to defend his title in Miami.

https://twitter.com/TennisTV/status/1640827847391739904?s=20

Oozing with power and class from the back of the court, his majestically timed drop shots added to the mix that was too much for Paul.

When he completed his latest clinical win, Alcaraz then offered up TV viewers around the world a talking point as he used the opportunity to sign the camera after the match by putting on a message that read: 33 soon.

Social media platforms quickly exploded with debate about what the message meant and it quickly became clear that it was directed at Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso.

Alcaraz is a big fan of Alonso, who has won 32 Grand Prix’s in his decorated career.

After a promising start to the season with Aston Martin, the veteran driver is eyeing up a 33rd win and Alcaraz is clearly counting down the days until that glorious moment arrives.

Alcaraz suggested Alonso inspired him to success at the Indian Wells Masters earlier this month in an Instagram message and it seems one of his sporting heroes is driving him forward once again in Miami.

Carlos Alcaraz