"He has built a rivalry with most of us, we want to beat him as badly as he does now" - Stefanos Tsitsipas on Carlos Alcaraz

Tennis' rising superstar Carlos Alcaraz has attracted a lot of eyeballs this year with his incredible performances. The Spaniard has had an excellent 2022 season so far with his first ATP 500 level title in Rio followed by his first Masters title in Miami.

With his win in Barcelona, Alcaraz also entered the top-10, becoming the youngest member of the top-10 as well. The Spaniard beat reigning Monte-Carlo Masters champion Stefanos Tsitstipas in the final, with Alcaraz leading their head-to-head 3-0. Two of their three meetings took place in 2022 in Miami and Barcelona, with their quarterfinal match in Barcelona being a close encounter in their now budding rivalry.

Greek superstar Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is the World No. 5 at the moment, has been impressed with the young Spaniard and how he has conducted himself on the court. Tsitsipas, speaking in an interview on the ATP Tennis Radio podcast, said:

"Well, obviously, he has the experience and has experienced most of the players on the tour. He has built a rivalry with most of us and I think that is something that can help him, I don't think it can hurt him in anyway. In the beginning he was the underdog, and now I feel like he is more based, people know him better, has been more on the tour. So, obviously, you know, we want to beat him as badly as he does now."

"Physically seems on a very very high level" - Grigor Dimitrov on Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz in action in Barcelona

Onother player that was full of praise for Alcaraz was Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov. The former World No. 3 highlighted the Spaniard's physical gifts and said it was rare to see someone so young perform at such a high level.

"I think it's been great what he's been able to do at such an early age, playing quite mature tennis I'd say, physically seems on a very very high level which is nice to see as you don't really get a chance to see like a younger kid, he's still a kid, you know, moving that well and hitting the ball that well, you know, it's just time, timing is everything."

Dimitrov also feels that Carlos Alcaraz should not be piled with unnecessary pressure from those around him, with Alcaraz being compared to his idol Rafael Nadal and the similarities in their achievements, attitude and being from the same country has led to several people in tennis to hail Alcaraz as the next Nadal.

"I think less pressure on him from everyone around and let him do his thing and see how he's going to develop but for now he seems to be on the right path."

Carlos Alcaraz continues to surge up the ATP rankings. The Spaniard has broken into the top 10 and with very few points to defend until the US hardcourt swing, the Murcian will be one to look out for. He will next compete in the Madrid Masters, starting on May 1.

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