NEW YORK: Carlos Alcaraz is 19 going on 29. Or 39 even. When he's swinging his racket, he's every bit the teenager he is. His power is compelling, his speed around the court puts race cars to shade and his reserve appears bottomless.
Then, after wrapping up his third successive five-setter at the US Open, this one against home-hope Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, the generosity of his expression was beyond his years. Alcaraz soaked in the moment, lying on his back a Grand Slam title and the world No. 1 ranking was within touching distance. He then pulled himself up and walked towards the American to congratulate him before directing the Arthur Ashe Stadium to give their man another round of cheers. He pointed at Tiafoe again and again, saying they had both left it all out there.
