KEY POINTS

  • Rafael Nadal has been eliminated from ATP Tour Finals 2022
  • Carlos Alcaraz has become the youngest year-end World No. 1
  • Alcaraz has won 5 titles this year

Word No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has given a heartwarming statement about idol and rival Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz was presented with the World No.1 trophy Wednesday at Pala Alpitour Arena in Italy's Turin – the venue of the ongoing ATP World Tour Finals 2022. The Spanish young star was confirmed to finish the season as the top-ranked player after the only two contenders – Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas – failed to match the criteria to beat Alcaraz in the rankings.

When the final rankings of the season will be released in December, Alcaraz, at the age of 19 years and 214 days, will become the youngest year-end World No. 1 player, surpassing Australia's Lleyton Hewitt (20 years and 275 days).

In an interview, Alcaraz expressed his delight of becoming a part of history along legends such as Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic.

"It's incredible that for so many years it was Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, or Murray, and then a 19-year-old 'Chico' comes along and succeeds in this. It means so much to me. Being a part of tennis history alongside these legends is just an incredible feeling," Alcaraz said.

While Alcaraz went on to add that he would have been happier had Nadal, who is yet to win the ATP Tour Finals trophy, won in Turin, the teenage tennis sensation also revealed that he was rooting for Djokovic in the latter's match against Tsitsipas.

"All my life, I have gone with Rafa and here also, I wanted him to win. Even if he had taken the number 1 from me, I would have been happy. I was hoping Djokovic would win against Tsitsipas because I also have a good relationship with Novak," Alcaraz added further.

Following defeats to Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime, both in straight sets, Nadal's exit from ATP Tour Finals was confirmed. Nevertheless, the tennis legend has had a fine year, winning four ATP titles, including two Grand Slams that took his majors tally to a record 22.

Danger man: Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz grew up idolizing compatriot Rafael Nadal AFP / OSCAR DEL POZO

Alcaraz is not competing in the ongoing ATP Tour Finals because of an abdominal injury. The Spanish player has won five titles in 2022, including his maiden Grand Slam that came at the US Open. He defeated Casper Ruud in four sets in the final at Flushing Meadows in September. Alcaraz's other triumphs came in Rio de Janeiro, ATP 1000 Miami, Barcelona Open, and ATP 1000 Masters.