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The absolute star of the Next Gen ATP Finals 2021 did not disappoint expectations and conquered the semifinals of the Italian event by obtaining three convincing victories in Group A. Carlos Alcaraz is also stealing the show in Milan, where he has lost only one set (by now he was sure of first place and qualification, ed.), gave great games to tennis fans and set a new record.
The Spaniard has in fact become the youngest player to win thirty games in a single season since Rafael Nadal’s feat in 2004. Alcaraz's name is often compared to that of the 20-time Grand Slam champion; a comparison that makes the 18-year-old from Murcia proud, but he prefers to keep his feet firmly glued to the ground.
Alcaraz after the match he won against Brandon Nakashima at the ATP Next Gen Finals granted an interview for Sky Sport, during which he talked about his countryman Rafael Nadal and his tennis much closer to Roger Federer.
Alcaraz: "Nadal my idol, but I look more like Federer"
He said: "I started playing when I was four and I watched the best from an early age. Rafa, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. When I started playing I always watched their games.
I've always had an idol who is Rafa. During all these years I have followed him a lot. Then as I grow up, in terms of playing style, I look a little more like Federer." Finally, Alcaraz expressed all his happiness for having reached the semifinals of the Next Gen Finals.
"I am very happy to play the semifinal here in Milan. And I am very happy with the level I am expressing. I'm really satisfied and, above all, I'm having a lot of fun on the court." Alcaraz's season will not end with the Next Gen Finals, because Sergi Bruguera has decided to call him for the Davis Cup Finals.
Spain will not be able to count on Nadal, but will still have tennis players of the caliber of Pablo Carreno Busta, Roberto Bautista Agut, Feliciano Lopez and Alcaraz at their disposal. The Spanish team was included in Group A alongside Daniil Medvedev's Russia and Ecuador.