Alcaraz leads pack searching for maiden major title in New York

The then 18-year-old rocketed to tennis stardom a year ago when he beat third-seeded Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round on his way to becoming the youngest man to reach the quarter-final at Flushing Meadows. He retired in the quarters against young Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime but had already earned his reputation as one of the fiercest competitors among tennis's next generation.

The cool and collected Roland-Garros quarter-finalist has enjoyed a successful 2022, beating Norwegian Casper Ruud in the Miami Open final and Olympic gold medallist Alexander Zverev to clinch the title in Madrid, both in straight sets. "Alcaraz is certainly the guy that made the biggest impact the last year, moved the needle as much as anyone, plays with the joy that I think we all love," seven-times major winner and ESPN analyst John McEnroe told reporters.

"(He) has made incredible advances in the last year, but... it's a lot (to ask) for him to win it, but certainly he has a shot." He still struggles with the challenges that come with competing on tennis's biggest stages, suffering a shock exit in his Montreal opener to American Tommy Paul earlier this month and telling reporters his nerves got the better of him.

"It was the first time that I couldn't handle the pressure," said Alcaraz. "All I can say from this match is I have to train, I have to be ready to have this pressure, to have this kind of moments, and to learn how to handle it." He quickly bounced back, however, reaching the quarter-final of the US Open tune-up event in Cincinnati and earning the endorsement of Australian Nick Kyrgios, who picked Alcaraz to win it all in New York.