For the past two decades, men's tennis has been dominated by the 'Big Three,' but the rise of Carlos Alcaraz is signaling a shift.
After winning his first major championship at the U.S. Open, Alcaraz has solidified himself as the sport's next big thing.
The 19-year-old entered his major semifinal after defeating fellow up-and-comer Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller. Despite facing match point in the fourth set, Alcaraz fought back in a way only he could to take out the rising Italian star.
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He followed that up with another lengthy bout against American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. Alcaraz eventually proved too much to handle in five sets.
That set up a final against rising Norwegian talent Casper Ruud, but Alcaraz quickly showed why he's a step above with a four-set victory.
Alcaraz plays with a passion that mimics his countryman Rafael Nadal, but the righty also has the shotmaking brilliance of Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios.
The Spaniard attempts things that many wouldn't dare. In the quarterfinals, Alcaraz pulled off one of the shots of tournament in a moment where ever point was valuable.
His behind-the-back shot took courage and a bit of arrogance, but again, that's what makes Alcaraz the player he is becoming.
He won the point.
