Carlos Alcaraz: When the Spanish king suddenly calls
Word has long spread that Carlos Alcaraz 's recent performances are exceptional. In Spain even so far that the 18-year-old received a call from King Felipe VI.
by Dennis Heineman
last edit: Apr 07, 2022, 11:47 am
Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest ever winner in Miami. Alcaraz beat three of the top ten players in the world en route to his historic victory. He eliminated Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 5) from the tournament, ended Hubert Hurkacz's (now No. 14) winning streak and defeated Casper Ruud (No. 7) in the final. In that impressive run, the young Spaniard only lost a single set (against Miomir Kecmanovic). And all this after he had already reached the semi-finals in Indian Wells a few days earlier. No question: he is the man of the hour.
More nervous on the phone than in the match
After winning the tournament in Miami, Alcaraz received a call from Spain's king, Felipe VI. He called to personally congratulate him on his success on America's East Coast. Speaking to the press after the game, Alcaraz said: "It's quite amazing to get the call from the King of Spain. I was more nervous about that call than about the match. But yeah, it's pretty amazing that the King of Spain congratulates you on the hard work you put in every day. It's something you never expected, of course. It is wonderful. I hope to meet him in Spain.”