Friday was a day for teenagers on Arthur Ashe Stadium. 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz and 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez each notched massive upsets to shake up the crowd and create an electric atmosphere.
Alcaraz, who battled past Tsitsipas in five sets, started the part, and after the match, Tiafoe gave praise to the talented Spaniard.
“In the beginning of the first set, came really strong,” he said. “Ball speed was incredible. I've never seen someone hit the ball so hard. Took time to adjust. Took time to kind of develop my game around his game style.”
Tsitsipas said that the way Alcaraz stormed him in the fifth set left him with a bitter taste in his mouth.
“It's kind of bitter, I would say, especially after such an incredible fourth set by my side, dominating, being just so aggressive, not dwelling on the past. It was a great fourth set,” he said. “I don't know. I felt like he played the fifth one completely -- the way he played the first set basically, careless, going for every single shot. I have never seen someone play such a good fifth set, honestly.”
Tsitsipas said that Alcaraz impressed him with his attitude and his ability to handle the big stage.
“He dealt with it really well,” He said. “I mean, that's something that's going to reach the top and make him the player that he is. It was supposed to be my match. Today was a match that I shouldn't have lost. I can only learn from it. He's young. He fought, he never give up. I had my opportunities in the third set, lost them.”
And the Greek says Alcaraz is most certainly talented enough to be one of the best players in the world.
“A hundred percent,” he said. “I said he can be a contender for Grand Slam titles. He has the game to be there.”