The excitement that caused the appearance of Carlos Alcaraz at the Argentina Open had its climax on Wednesday night. The number two of the world made his debut in the tournament, and people filled the center court of the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis to be privileged witnesses.
The delirium of the public had been demonstrated since he arrived in the country, and the days before sparked a “revolution” at each of his appearances. In one of the training sessions that he carried out in Palermo, the people were located lying on the ground to be able to see it through the small space allowed by the canvas that bordered the field.
The 19-year-old born in Murcia became the world ranking leader at the end of last year, when it was consecrated in the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the season. The Spaniard won the decisive match against the Norwegian Casper Ruud in New York.
His appearance caused furor in the world of tennis, and Buenos Aires received him in his first official match of the year, because he started the season with an injury, and for this reason he could not participate in no previous tournament in this 2023. The boy’s time at the club motivated the youngest, and the older ones too, who did not stop asking for photos and autographs.
Alcaraz also got to know tango up close, because last Sunday morning the organization invited him to dance at the foot of the Obelisk, together with other figures such as Diego Schwartzman, the Austrian Dominic Thiem, the British Cameron Norrie and the Italian Lorenzo Musetti. The ones who guided them were two local dancers.
The tennis players also provided a small display for those who circulated in the area, with small courts designed for the occasion. Alcaraz later had time to try the dulce de leche, the mate and an alfajor. Regarding the first, he expressed: “This one I would eat alone.”
Wednesday’s day ended with the victory of Tomás etcheverry about Carballes Baena, norris in front of Facundo Acosta, and lajovic against Ugo Carabelli. Schwartzman’s debut will be on Thursday against Zapata Miralles, and Francisco Cerúndolo will play against Munar.