Carlos Alcaraz spares ball kid from heavy rain in classy gesture as match suspended at Rio Open
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Updated 22/02/2023 at 09:15 GMT
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz may not have been able to complete what looked set to be a straight-sets victory over Brazil's Mateus Alves in the first round of the Rio Open on Tuesday due to heavy rain, but he delighted his fans with his thoughtfulness with a ball kid amid the downpour. Alcaraz impressed with his play too as he moved to within a game of victory before the rain intervened.
Watch as Alcaraz lifts trophy after beating Norrie in ATP Buenos Aires final
Carlos Alcaraz came up with a classy gesture as heavy rain disrupted his first-round match with Brazilian Mateus Alves at the Rio Open on Tuesday.
As the rain poured and everyone dived for cover at Quadra Guga Kuerten, Alcaraz beckoned over a soaked ball kid and invited her to join him under his sheltered bench by the side of the court.
The ball kid gratefully joined him under his covered bench in a heartwarming moment as the match was disrupted and eventually suspended due to the conditions.
Alcaraz was leading 6-4 5-3 with a commanding lead in the match when the rain intervened, and he will be expected to comfortably complete the victory on Wednesday when play resumes.
The top-seeded Spaniard had been looking very convincing with a crucial break of serve already secured in the second set after sweeping through the opener to establish total command of the match.
If Alcaraz can complete the victory over Alves, he will then look to beat either Italy's Fabio Fognini or Chilean qualifier Tomas Barrios Vera in the second round of the ATP 500 event.
The 19-year-old, who had to miss the Australian Open after sustaining a leg injury, made a triumphant return to the ATP Tour by beating Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-3 7-5 in the final of ATP Buenos Aires on Sunday.
Alcaraz, who became the first Spaniard to claim the title in Argentina since Rafael Nadal achieved the feat in 2015, claimed his seventh ATP Tour title as he further established himself as the world No. 2, just behind Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic.
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Highlights: Alcaraz beats Norrie in straight sets to claim ATP Buenos Aires title
Eurosport expert Alex Corretja, speaking during the Australian Open, said he was unconcerned by the injuries Alcaraz has already suffered at such a young age.
“No, it's just temporary," he said. "I mean, it’s a pity because he was working very hard to play well in Australia. I think the major effort that he made to win the US Open and become No. 1, all this other stuff, I mean, it's normal that it takes a lot of energy out of you, and it takes a little while to understand also what's going on to be No. 1 and the expectations that come with it.
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Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates after winning a set against Mateus Alves of Brazil during day two of ATP 500 Rio Open presented by Claro at Jockey Club Brasileiro
Image credit: Getty Images
“But he is going to be soon ready again. He will be in a good position to play well, either in Miami or then during the clay court season, where he will be one of the toughest guys to beat.
“I don't think he needs to be obsessed with No. 1. I don't think it should be his goal right now to just defend that ranking because otherwise, it's an extra weight on your shoulders that you don't need to do, especially when you’re at that age.
“I think he is still learning and the explosion he had last year was huge. It was difficult to deal with all the new situations for him after winning the US Open. This step back from the Australian Open is a shame as I think it can suit him very well. He should be fresh for the clay court season though and keep on improving."
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