Izuchukwu OkosiAhead of the release of the official ATP Tennis rankings on Monday following the conclusion of the Queen’s Club Championships on Sunday, Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz is set to become the number one ranked player.
The 20-year-old Alcaraz secured his first grass-court title with victory over Alex de Minaur in the final at Queen’s Club on Sunday before declaring he’s one of the favourites to win the Wimbledon Open starting on July 3.
The Spaniard becomes the 17th active player with a tour-level title on all three surfaces.
Consequently Alcaraz is expected to overtake Novak Djokovic as world No 1 when the new rankings are released today (Monday) and boasted he will be a major contender to take the Serb’s crown at Wimbledon next month, with a commanding 6-4 6-4 win.
“It means a lot to have my name on the trophy. It was special to play here where so many legends have won.
“To see my name surrounded by the great champions is amazing,” Alcaraz told the media.
“I started the tournament not very well, especially my movement on the grass, but it’s been an amazing week.”
In baking temperatures, a break of serve in each set proved enough to overcome Australian No 1 De Minaur, who competed well but had no answer to the pace and power o f the favourite.
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