"The whole world was surprised by what he did" - Alejandro Davidovich Fokina hails Carlos Alcaraz for his 'stratospheric' achievements in 2022

Carlos Alcaraz’s compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina heaped praise on the youngster, stating that what he achieved in 2022 was "stratospheric."

Fokina, currently ranked World No. 32, returns to the ATP Tour this week at the ATP 250 tournament in Montpellier after going down to USA’s Tommy Paul in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open.

Carlos Alcaraz announced his arrival to the world with a breakthrough season on the 2022 ATP Tour. The 19-year-old Spaniard created multiple records, ended the season with his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open among five titles, and finished as the year-end World No 1. He became the youngest No. 1 in the history of ATP Rankings at 19 years, four months, and six days, breaking Lleyton Hewitt’s record.

While speaking to Spanish outlet MARCA, Fokina said he himself is past the age where he would be considered Next Gen, aged almost 24 years old. He also expressed his awe at how the youngsters in the current Next Gen are playing at such high levels.

“I already passed that stage. I was at the 'Next Gen' in Milan for a year, I should have gone again, but it wasn't done due to Covid. I'm somewhere in between because I'm almost 24 years old. And those who are 'Next Gen' are stepping on it very hard. I had no idea that so many young players would be so high up.”

Fokina was then asked about his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz’s achievements in 2022, to which he said the current World No. 2 had surprised the whole world with his results.

“The whole world was surprised by what he did because it was something stratospheric. He won a 'Grand Slam,' he was number one, (and) he has won many tournaments. For many, it is a way forward.”

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Alejandro Davidovich Fokina says his main priority is to stay 'solid' on the circuit

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at 2022 Rolex Paris Masters

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina ended the 2022 ATP Tour season poorly, despite reaching his maiden career singles final at the Monte Carlo Masters and breaking into the top 30 of the ATP Rankings. The Spaniard from Malaga was inconsistent due to a knee ligament injury and suffered four first-round exits.

Speaking about his objectives for 2023, the man from Malaga said his priority was to be more consistent.

“There are always ranking and title objectives. But my priority is to be more solid on the circuit and not have those ups and downs. Have more good weeks than bad,” he said.

He has had a mixed start to 2023, which he started by reaching the quarterfinals at the Adelaide ATP 250, where he lost to fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets. At the 2023 Australian Open, he crashed out against eventual semifinalist American Tommy Paul again in straight sets.

However, the youngster stated he feels good about the 2023 ATP Tour season.

“Very good. I think we have started the year better than any other. Both physically and tennis-wise I come quite prepared.”