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Reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu has said that Carlos Alcaraz's recent run has been an "inspiration for everyone".
Raducanu, who is currently playing in the Italian Open, and Alcaraz enjoyed breakout campaigns at the US Open last year. While the English teenager scripted a fairy-tale run to the title after starting from qualifying, Alcaraz made an inspired run to the quarterfinals.
Alcaraz, 19, has gone from strength to strength this year, while Raducanu has had a rather quiet 2022 campaign. Nevertheless, the Brit was all praise for Alcaraz, describing him as "gracious and elegant".
"I think it's incredible what he's doing right now. Being so young and being so consistent is really impressive. I think the way that he moves is really gracious and elegant. If you watch him, it just looks like he's flying through the air."
Raducanu, also 19, lauded Alcaraz for his aggressive play, adding that he has been an inspiration for other players.
"He's super aggressive, can just take the racquet out of someone's hands. What he's doing at the moment is really a good inspiration for everyone on the tour."
Carlos Alcaraz seeks second Masters 1000 title in historic Madrid campaign
Carlos Alcaraz has had a campaign for the history books at the ongoing Madrid Masters.
The World No. 9 dropped a set in his each of his opening two rounds en route to a blockbuster last-eight clash with Rafael Nadal. In a three-set thriller, it was Alcaraz who emerged victorious against his idol.
Another stern test awaited the Spaniard in the last four in the shape of World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. In a high-quality encounter that went the distance, Alcaraz recovered from a set down to floor the World No. 1 in a third-set tie-break.
With the victory, Alcaraz became the first player in more than a decade to beat Nadal and Djokovic in consecutive matches at the same tournament. He also became the first to beat the legendary duo in back-to-back matches at a claycourt tournament.
Alcaraz will now eye a fourth title of what has been a banner season. He has triumphed in Rio de Janeiro, Miami and Barcelona so far.
