“He’s been a great support and now we’re going to use a lot for each other. He’s in the top 100, and for traveling together (on the same flight to Melbourne) with him, can you ask for more? It’s a blessing, a miracle. ”
Elder Ymer needed that support, as after an impressive season in 2018 that saw him deserve the top draw of the Australian and French Championships and hit at the No.105 world top in June, he was sidelined with a hamstring injury. who eventually needed surgery.
Now ranked outside the top 200, the Swede feels he has corrected course.
He moved his preseason from Florida to Dubai, a move he believes prepared him better for the similar conditions in Doha, where he won all three of his qualifying rounds for a loss of just one set.
“I finally had some time to get my body back in 2020. And I feel like now I’m in good physical shape. The match point … I was flying on the court, ”he laughed.
“I hope I can sustain this. I only see the future, you know? I can never go back. Stay tuned. And I’m going to Melbourne, that’s it. ”
Milestone for Alcaraz
So does Alcaraz, who makes his first trip to Australia a progressive career.
The Spanish teenager has won 39 incredible games from 46 times in 2020, receiving three ATP Challenger titles and improving his ranking by more than 350 places.
And, despite being told he struggled with nerves in his first game, he improved with every turn in Doha to earn three more.
A year ago, Carlos Alcaraz was ranked at 490. Since then, he has won 5 titles (3 Challenges, 2 ITF), 2 finals (1 CH, 1 ITF), two top 100 awards, ranking # 135 , 42-7 (84%) record and has now qualified for his first slam at the Australian Open. Looking right for a 17 year old.
– Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) 13 January 2021
“Well I’m very happy. Very happy to be able to play the first major Grand Slam draw. So I felt it was good to do that. I’m trying really hard to be here, “he said.
“During the day I was feeling a little anxious. But when I went into court today, I tried to rest my body, rest my arms. And I thought that I played my game. That’s all. And try to stay calm. “
The mental side of the game is crucial for Alcaraz, who is aware of the hype surrounding his impressive results, rapid development and is considered by many to be the “next big thing”.
He is the first player born in 2003 to compete in a major Slam draw, and has a world – famous No.1 coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 2003 Roland Garros champion.
“It’s the biggest thing I worked on in the season before the mental game. The mental game is very important to me,” said Alcaraz, who is aiming for the top 50 in 2021.
“I just listen to my team, listen to my family, and I don’t worry about people talking (about me), and social media. I try to play my game.
“This is my second Grand Slam, this is my first major Grand Slam draw, and yes, I feel that pressure, not for the people on social media. Just for the competition. ”
Tight finishes in Doha
Ten of the day’s final 16 games were decided in straight sets. But there were some thrushes in Doha to end the commissioning event.
Seed No.15 Henri Laaksonen broken in the ninth game of the third set by Borna Gojo, who advanced 5-4 and 30-0 when serving for the game. But Switzerland recovered to win 10-7 in a match.
Roman Safiullin, Australian Open boys singles champion in 2015, back to beat French Constant Lestienne 6-7 (2) 6-3 6-4, thus qualifying for a top Slam draw for the first time hour.
Mario Vilella Martinez they also came back from losing the first set to pip Tung-Lin Wu 4-6 7-5 6-4.
There were other AO 2021 certifications Quentin Halys, Michael Mmoh, Tomas Machac, Botic Van de Zandschulp, Maxime Cressy and Sergiy Stakhovsky.