Carlos Alcaraz Garfia advanced to the 3rd round of the French Open after making an incredible run for a point in the 5th set. (0:54)
It had taken four and a half hours to get on the court.
Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish teenager with sky-high expectations, first placed his arms on his head and then pointed them towards the crowd.
He stood on the court, embracing every scream, every ounce of applause from the fans, and soaking it in.
He had just defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the longest match of his young career to advance to the third round at the French Open.
While Alcaraz was heavily favored to win the match, Ramos-Vinolas was hardly the 30-something Spaniard many predicted he would have such problems with.
He found a way to win. In the final game of the match, Alcaraz was in complete control, winning every point and securing the victory.
It was the latest turn in what has already been a career of them. He could not hide his emotions and gratitude to the crowd.
This IS what it means. @alcarazcarlos03 I #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/QVzJkiS0k0
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2022
At the US Open in September, Alcaraz became a fan favorite thanks to his victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round and his run to the quarterfinals. Since then, he has put himself in another league, with fans and expectations normally reserved for other players. His matches have become must-see viewing, and the hype has grown with every victory.
He had won 11 straight matches and was in the midst of a magical season on clay, with titles in both Barcelona and Madrid. He defeated Nadal and Djokovic on consecutive days in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Alexander Zverev, who lost to Alcaraz in the final, called him the best in the world.
Against Ramos-Vinolas, the lore continued to grow.
He was facing a match point in the fourth set. But not to him. Alcaraz fought his way back.
He said after the match that he believed in himself.
His self-belief and never-quit attitude made him even more enamored with the already devoted crowd, who seemed to sense they were witnessing something special. When he forced a deciding set, they chanted Carlos, Carlos, in appreciation, and 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611 888-270-6611
The stadium erupted in applause when he won a hard-fought point to win the fifth game of the final set and make Bruno Mars proud.
Welcome to the @alcarazcarlos03 show 🤯#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/fVbODNenSl
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2022
In the third round, Alcaraz will face American Sebastian Korda. Korda was in the second round of the Monte Carlo tournament when Alcaraz lost, and both are thought to be among the best of the new crop of young stars. If he escapes Korda, his time in Paris won't be any easier. In the fourth round, he would likely face either Norrie or Khachanov, and then he would face Zverev in the quarterfinals.
If Nadal, the King of Clay, or the reigning champion of the tournament were to stand in the way of his first major final, then you would have to hold onto your hats. It might be too early to be thinking about that. There is still a lot of tennis to be played. But Alcaraz, who said he wasn't bothered by pressure or nerves, wouldn't mind such a challenge.
He wants to play tough battles against the best players in the world.
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