‘More grand slams’: Carlos Alcaraz already has sights set on 2023 glory after US Open triumph
Carlos Alcaraz has already secured his place in the future Hall of Fame after a run to the finals on Sunday at the first grand slam of the year.
Argentina’s 34-year-old five-time major champion cruised into the men’s singles final with a 6-3 7-5 triumph over No.1 seed John Isner.
After a five-match losing streak, the two-time Olympic bronze medallist overcame an early set deficit to set up a potential showdown with Britain’s Stuart Bingham.
Alcaraz was the only player at the US Open at the time of Isner’s withdrawal on Tuesday to have a chance at booking a place in the 2016 Hall of Fame ballot.
However, in a result full of class for both players, Alcaraz will now have to wait even longer than usual for a decision from the selection panel.
As a result, he will likely not have the chance to try and secure his place in the current rankings until next year, when he turns 38 years old.
The fact is that Alcaraz will be able to make the case to the panel that he could only have won his first major title this past Sunday in New York.
The three-time US finalist and three-time world champion has also reached the fourth round at the Australian Open and at Indian Wells.
However, Alcaraz and his coach, Marcel Granollers, have stressed that Isner’s departure was a big loss for his team.
“At the beginning of the week I was sad because John was taking a big risk and maybe winning his second major title, but I was more pleased because I know what Carlos can do in the next 10 months,” Granollers was quoted as saying in the Argentine media after the US Open win.
“I think it’s a shame because Carlos has not played for six months now and John just won his second major title.”
Alcaraz had already claimed his first Grand Slam singles title by beating compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena in the semi-finals in last year’s Wimbledon final.
Although he took the opening set in the final, Alcaraz was outplayed by Isner in the second, which started with a tie-break.
The American was a half-point behind at