Carlos Alcaraz made history at the Madrid Masters in 2022, winning his fifth career title after defeating tennis greats Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and finally defending champion Alexander Zverev. 

In doing so he became the first player since David Nalbandian to have defeated three of the world’s top four in a Masters 1000.

The Argentine pro, who’d beat Nadal, Djokovic, and Roger Federer, congratulated Alcaraz on the feat, attaching the stat reported by Tennis TV. 

While Nalbandian had defeated all of the top three in 2007, Alcaraz missed out since World Number 2 Daniil Medvedev was out with an injury. 

Alcaraz’s journey in the 2022 Masters 

The Spanish pro turned 19 last Thursday, and then on Friday Alcaraz beat World No 4 Nadal in three sets, on Saturday he vanquished World No 1 Djokovic in three sets, and on Sunday Alcaraz beat No 3 Zverev in two sets. 

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After this massive feat, the youngster said, “I would say this is my best week ever”, adding, “I mean, I beat two of the best players in history, beating Zverev in the final, a great player as well, No. 3 in the world.” 

Nalbandian’s journey in the 2007 Masters 

Nalbandian’s spectacular journey at the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid came after the Argentine had managed just one quarter-final in the entire season.

However, he became the only player to defeat Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic in the same tournament. 

First up was Nadal, who was World No 2 at the time. Nalbandian was unseeded but beat the Spaniard 6-1, 6-2 after 71 minutes. As per Reuters, the Argentine had said “Everything went right for me today”, adding, “I took advantage of all Rafa’s errors and he never felt comfortable, but I felt I played really well.” 

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Next up was the Serb pro, Djokovic, who Nalbandian beat 6-4, 7-6(4). Djokovic commented on the performance, saying “Sometimes you play bad and he was on a roll. He won against Rafa and a lot of good players this week, so obviously he had a lot of confidence on the court and you could see that”. 

Federer awaited in the final but the Argentine had set his date with destiny. He went past the top-seeded Swiss, winning 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 and lifting the trophy. 

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After the game, Federer noted, “I guess when you beat Nadal and Djokovic back-to-back you come into the final feeling better than ever”. 

While Alcaraz didn’t achieve the phenomenal feat of beating the ‘Big Three’ of tennis, he did become the youngest player to win the Madrid Open at 19 years and three days of age. 

The Spaniard will next be looking to Roland Garros, which starts on May 22.