2006 - Nadal, 20, loses in ATP Finals debut 2007 - Djokovic, 20, loses in ATP Finals debut 2023 - Alcaraz, 20, loses in ATP Finals debut Normal rite of passage in an unforgiving event
Alcaraz’s ATP debut: History repeats itself, or just a rookie tradition?
ATPMonday, 13 November 2023 at 18:34
Carlos Alcaraz did not get the start he wanted at the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin. Alexander Zverev prevailed in the Spaniard's debut clash at the tournament, fighting back to win the match 7-6(3), 3-6, 4-6.
Although Alcaraz looked much better on the court at the 2023 ATP Finals compared to his last few games, which included a first-round loss to Roman Safiullin at the Paris Masters, the 20-year-old has now suffered his third consecutive defeat. The last time he lost three consecutive matches was in March 2021, more than two and a half years ago.
Even so, this is not the most curious fact about his defeat to Zverev, despite it also being shocking given the generally successful year that Alcaraz has achieved in 2023. As Bastien Fachan pointed out on X (formerly known as Twitter), the debut of Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP Finals is similar to that of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Three top players share odd coincidence
In 2006, Nadal made his ATP Finals debut at the age of 20 and lost his first match against American James Blake 6-4, 7-6(0). In 2007, Djokovic participated in his first ATP Finals also at the age of 20 and also lost his first match, this time against the Spaniard David Ferrer 6-4, 6-4. Finally, as it is already known, Alcaraz was not able to defeat Zverev in his Finals debut.
This strange statistic sparked a lot of interest among fans on social media. "This is comforting, but I am just enjoying the style of the game, though losing is hurting. I used to cheer for Sasha, but now I like Carlos game better [because] of how he plays," commented one.
Although Nadal is absent from this year's ATP Finals after spending most of the season recovering from surgery, Djokovic is aiming to defend his title in Turin. The Serbian player overcame a three-set battle against Holger Rune in his first match and will face home player Jannik Sinner next.
claps 0visitors 385
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Rybakina is back!!
mandoist21-12-2024 - She sems to have a turbulent relationship with The Truth. Not even smartenough to make an excuse like "I severely twisted my ankle yesterday" -- then be seen shopping in some city next day while "recuperating"!mandoist21-12-2024
- Why do you even publish this TwatCaster's PATHETIC stunt for attention? There's plenty of reasons why imbeciles like him are 'talking' and people like Iga Swiatek are 'walking the walk'. Tennisuptodate should be above this tripe.mandoist16-12-2024
- If and when Political Correctness and gullible hearts over-rule BIOLOGY, the Human world begins its already seeming decline.mandoist15-12-2024
- The new generation has arrived and these guys need to do it with the left overs.
AceOfBase13-12-2024 - Every young, inexperiend CEO has "better" ideas (and friends to hire).mandoist12-12-2024
- What a load of nonsense. Emotional stress definitely didn’t cause her wrist or ankle injuries.Lyca10-12-2024
- Taylor Fritz 🎾 – the surprising third for many. 🎄 A great Christmas tree quiz question! 🎅✨MrAndreeva10-12-2024
- Simona Halep taking the axe out 🪓😮💨MrAndreeva08-12-2024
- ITIA is literally a Secret Organization. Way past time for a neutral entity to oversee, if not guide, these Elitists within ITIA whom enjoy their ability to keep their "investigations" in a business as usual format behind closed doors!!mandoist08-12-2024
