Carlos Alcaraz, number 1 in the world tennis ranking, was a guest tonight at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, which he was unable to participate due to injury.
But his leadership resisted.
And in the Pala Alpitour the nineteen-year-old Spaniard received the trophy: as he entered, all the spectators stood up and applauded him.
Excited, Alcaraz thanked his family, his team, and all the fans "for always supporting me around the world".
And he added in Italian "thanks a lot to everyone", greeted by a roar of applause.
"It means a lot to me to be number one in the world and part of tennis history. .- he said - Of course I'm sorry I'm not here to play, but these things happen in the life of tennis. And I'm very grateful for this trophy." .
Before the ceremony, on the Pala Alpitour field, the number 1 met the press and said he was focused on recovery in order to "start the Australian Open in the best way. At the moment the plan is to play the Australian open and not other tournaments beforehand. this is the intention at the moment".
And he didn't hide the fact that now, after having reached the top of the standings, the goal is "the grand slam".
Speaking of his injury, Alcaraz explained that his recovery "is going really well, fast. I'm really focused on recovering as soon as possible, but I can say that in one week we've made good progress. At the beginning of the season - he added - I'll be ready I'll be 100%."
On the Nitto ATP Finals he said he watched many of the games from home.
"I always like to watch big matches - he underlined - and with the players here we are at the top, I love watching this type of match. Naturally - he added - since Rafa (Nadal, ed) is here I care for him, for the players But, in any case, I support tennis, great tennis."