Carlos Alcaraz still unsure about Davis Cup participation: ‘We’ll see’
Carlos Alcaraz is still soaking up his US Open success and it remains to be seen if he will play for Spain in the Davis Cup group stage matches in Valencia this week.
The teenager is riding a wave of success as he won his maiden Grand Slam title on Sunday, beating Casper Ruud in the final and he climbed to No 1 in the ATP Rankings on the back of the win.
Aged 19 years, he is the youngest player to be ranked No 1 in the world while he is also the seventh youngest male player to win a major.
Alcaraz has no doubt had very little time to rest since lifting the title as he has done a host of interviews, photo shoots and other public relations events.
He has been selected for Spain’s Davis Cup matches against Canada, Serbia and South Korea, but it’s a case of wait and see if he will play.
“It is a great joy that so many people are supporting me in every game, at every moment. It is a pride to be able to represent Spain on all sides”, he told AS after arriving in Spain.
Asked about playing against Serbia on Wednesday, he replied: “I don’t know yet, I just arrived, I have to settle in and we’ll see. I am very happy, I am here to contribute my grain of sand to the team.”
Davis Cup Tournament Director and former world No 2 David Ferrer had high praise for Alcaraz after youngster’s rise to the top.
“It is clear that Carlos is a blessing. We have Rafa Nadal, who is unique, but the truth is that we have relief because he is a different player, special,” he said.
“It is surprising how he has faced pressure at 19 years old. He has something different from the others Rafa, Federer and Djokovic. He is a tennis player who possesses all the shots and dominates the point. He is humble and wants to continue learning every day.”
Spain face Serbia on Wednesday, Canada on Friday and South Korea on Sunday and Davis Cup captain Sergi Bruguera also praised the 19-year-old’s performances in New York.
“We all knew it was going to happen sooner or later. But the way he won three matches in five sets is an incredible effort mentally as well as physically,” he said.
“Being the youngest ever number one. There are no words.”
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