The fifth of Alcaraz

The praiseworthy echoes of the performance of Carlos Alcaraz, retired in the US Open quarterfinals after leaving the world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas, among others, had not yet been quelled when another Spaniard born in 2003 inscribed his name on the Junior honors of the American Grand Slam: Daniel Rincón. The Murcian and the Avila have one thing in common, in addition to their refreshing 18 years and their great friendship, specifically their formation next to two number one through their respective academies: Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz's coach, and Rafa Nadal, who has already had Rincón as a sparring partner in Manacor. Growing up under the tutelage of mythical champions, in a sport with such a long tradition in Spain, is a guarantee of progression. Their trajectories are still very different, despite exhibiting the same age, because Alcaraz has already rubbed shoulders with the best in a big one, has celebrated his first ATP title and is ranked 38th in the ranking, While Rincón has the arduous journey through ITF and Challengers tournaments before landing on the ATP Tour.

The emergence of Alcaraz and Rincón coincided with the coronation of another young woman born in 2003, Ane Mintegi, at the junior tournament at Wimbledon. The last Spaniards who triumphed in this category were Alejandro Davidovich, at Wimbledon 2017, and Paula Badosa, at Roland Garros 2015. Both have grown in the last year, with room for improvement: they are 44th and 27th, respectively. Sara Sorribes, 37th, was the European champion in 2014. While Rebeka Masarova, still far from the elite, reigned in Paris in 2016, although still with Swiss nationality. Shining as a junior does not ensure success, many tennis players did not reach the top, but in the quarry of the Grand Slams names like Federer, Barty, Murray, Halep, Roddick, Hingis, Wawrinka, Henin also shine … There is the challenge.