Unknown in 2022, Alcaraz returns to Rio Open as a superstar | The Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO—When Carlos Alcaraz arrived at the Rio Open tournament compound last year, no screaming fans were waiting, his rivals did not see him as one of the favorites, his Instagram profile was followed overwhelmingly by Spaniards and he was still troubled by typical teenage spots on his face. He was the No.29 in the rankings in a socially distanced world due to COVID-19.

“I didn’t come here to watch tennis, to be honest. I came because of Carlitos,” said Cristiana Souza, a 17-year-old who goes with her family every year to Rio’s Jockey Club to watch the tournament. “I am just thrilled that someone my age can be this successful, humble. He spends time with his fans. I cheer more for him than any Brazilian player. And, obviously, he is so cute.”

“Whenever he wants something, his team says he would like this or that. It is very gentle,” Rio Open director Luiz Carvalho told The Associated Press in his office. “It is nothing completely out of standard of other events. Some things he never asked for, but these are things we like to do because he has earned that treatment.”

The first time that Alcaraz played in Rio he was a little-known and skinny 16-year-old with a wild card and a promising ranking of 493, a shy teenager who shared his hotel room with older brother Alvaro. His first professional victory, which he also achieved in Brazil’s postcard city, came in the early hours of a rainy Tuesday, with no fans on the stands as he beat compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

“I remember he used to walk around, watch other matches. He was skinny, arms like sticks,” said Maria Santos, who has worked at the tournament’s catering in recent years and seen many players close to her food stall, including Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem. As some of tennis’ all-time greats retire or near their exit, Alcaraz says he is not thinking about becoming the sport’s next hero for now.

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