It has been a historic season for Carlos Alcaraz, whose 2022 achievements include winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title, his first Grand Slam championship and climbing to No. 1 in the world in the Pepperstone ATP rankings.
To round out his year, ATPTour.com asked the Spaniard about the best, biggest, coolest and craziest things that have happened to him this season.
Carlos’ biggest thing: to end the year as number 1 in the world
Alcaraz at the Nitto ATP Finals was recognized as the youngest year-end No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings (since 1973). The 19-year-old became the first teenager to accomplish this feat.
“It means a lot to me,” said Alcaraz. “To have this trophy, the world No. 1, become part of tennis history along with many legends is a great feeling for me.”
Andrea Gaudenzi and Carlos Alcaraz” />
Photo credit: Corinne Dubreuil/TBEN
Best of Carlos: Winning the US Open and reaching No. 1 in the world
Fans and analysts alike had Alcaraz on their radar well before the start of the 2022 season, but few could have predicted how quickly he would rise. By defeating Casper Ruud in the US Open final, he claimed his first major crown and with it the No. 1 Pepperstone ATP ranking.
“It’s crazy for me. I never thought I would achieve something like this at 19 years old. So everything [has] come so quickly,’ said Alcaraz. “For me it is incredible. It’s something I dreamed about since I was a kid, ever since I started playing tennis. Of course it’s great for me to win this trophy today.”
