Carlos Alcaraz had a day of recovery away from Flushing Meadows on Thursday ahead of his semi-final clash against Frances Tiafoe at the US Open. The Spaniard, who defeated Jannik Sinner in five sets, saving a match point during an epic, five-hour, 15-minute encounter, spent the day with his team and family, eating, resting and recovering from battle.

“Today, we decided not to practise any tennis so that he can rest, above all his muscular system,” explained Juan Carlos Ferrero, the coach of the 19-year-old. “He was feeling the effects this morning, tired, but nothing serious.”

Alcaraz’s mentor must surely have also been tired after going through the roller-coaster of emotions from the stands of the Arthur Ashe stadium?

“On Wednesday, we went through a lot of stress, but we’re really excited,” said Ferrero. “It was a tremendous match, sublime, from both of them. Watching previous matches with him, I knew it would be very difficult and would be decided by the fine details.

“It’s true that a lot of things happened later. Carlos could have taken the match in three sets, but we found ourselves two-sets-to-one down. It was getting very difficult to come back. Carlos outdid himself mentally. He had some very tough moments during the fourth and fifth, but he handled them perfectly.

“It’s one of the best matches I’ve seen, because of the constant intensity and the difficulty of the opponent. They fed off each other and forced each other to improve. They are going to be two of the biggest players in the next 10 years, with due respect to those that are there. They’re at a very, very high level. There are other players that are close, but I think they will be the two dominant players on Tour in the future. He [Alcaraz] is a ferocious competitor. He competes to the end of every match. When it finished, I told him I was very proud of how he handled it.”

At the end of the second set in the match, Alcaraz conjured up a stunning shot, hitting the ball behind his back from the baseline before winning the point with a backhand pass.

“It was an amazing shot,” said Ferrero. “I’ve enjoyed how he plays since he started with me. I know that he will have those moments of genius. I always give him free rein to be creative, not a robot. Those things come naturally to him.”

However, Ferrero also acknowledged that they practise those challenging shots. “We call it Hot Shot,” he admitted. “We often rehearse those kinds of shots in training in case they come up. We joke about appearing on Tennis TV as the Hot Shot of the week. They are natural shots that he comes up with, but you have to have skill.”

That “skill”, together with many other things, has made Alcaraz into a magnet for the fans, who pack out the stands whenever he takes to the court.

“He has a special way of connecting with people, it’s really magnetic,” said Ferrero. “The way he gives his all on court and plays, with that intensity and speed in his shots. He can do so many things during a match and that’s what people are entertained by. I enjoy watching him play, and I’ve been involved in the world of tennis for so long.”

Although Alcaraz has a great opportunity in front of him, being just two matches away from winning his first Grand Slam and a chance to become the youngest World No. 1 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, Ferrero is in no doubt about the path he should take.

“We don’t talk about any of that,” offered the Spaniard. “We don’t get ahead of ourselves. We know the opportunity he has ahead of him. He immerses himself, trying to improve his tennis every day and he enjoys himself on court. His joy on court is what makes him play well. It’s still quite a long way off and there’s so much to do to achieve it.

“Mentally, he’s ready to win a Grand Slam and to be No. 1, but you have to keep working hard and keep your head down all the time, maintaining that humility that he has.”

In keeping with these ideas, Ferrero wants to avoid overburdening his understudy, choosing to take things step by step.

“He has to find his way, let’s not make things even more difficult for him,” pleaded Ferrero. “The first step is to win a major. From there, consolidating the belief that he can win at every Grand Slam he plays. That’s what the best players do, really focusing on the goal of winning every time they go to a tournament.

“Hopefully, Carlos puts himself in that situation. He has a chance to win so much, but then you have to go out and do it. There are so many players that will make it difficult like Sinner, Kyrgios, Tsitsipas, Zverev… In the coming years there will be plenty of players who can win a major, it won’t be like the past decade.”

Tennis is mourning the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and other Commonwealth realms, who passed away at the age of 96 on 8 September 2022.

Among those paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II was ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, who said: “‘It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She epitomised grace, poise and strength throughout her extraordinary reign, and leaves behind an indelible legacy. Several of our players were fortunate to meet her over the years, special memories that will be cherished forever. On behalf of everyone at the ATP, we send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”

Former World No. 1 Roger Federer shared his condolences on Twitter: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Her Royal Majesty. Her elegance, grace and loyalty to her duty will live on in history. I would like to send my thoughts and condolences to the entire Royal Family and Great Britain.”

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Her Royal Majesty. Her elegance, grace and loyalty to her duty will live on in history. I would like to send my thoughts and condolences to the entire Royal Family and Great Britain. pic.twitter.com/4rrUIPbLkV

— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 8, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II was the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club from 1952 until 2016, while she visited The Championships in 1957, 1962, 1977 and 2010.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who won his second Wimbledon crown in 2010, wrote on Twitter: “My most respectful, sincere and deepest condolences to the Royal Family of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to the British people for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

My most respectful, sincere and deepest condolences to the Royal Family of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to the British people for the pass of Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 9, 2022

The 11-time major champion Rod Laver received the Wimbledon trophy from Queen Elizabeth II in 1962. The Australian wrote: “My deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom at this sad time. Rest in Peace Your Majesty.”

My deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom at this sad time. Rest in Peace Your Majesty. pic.twitter.com/PTiaIhmPqp

— Rod Laver (@rodlaver) September 8, 2022

Billie Jean King paid her respects, writing: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense. I met her in 2010 at Wimbledon, and it was a special moment for me.

“She was the longest reigning British monarch in history, the only woman from the Royal Family to serve in the armed forces, and a respected leader around the world. She earned her place in history, and she will be missed.”

(1/2) I am saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense. I met her in 2010 at Wimbledon, and it was a special moment for me. pic.twitter.com/ByFAfQQPJH

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 8, 2022

Former World No. 1 Chris Evert also shared her condolences on Twitter: “She was devoted to a life of service. She inspired and gave hope to her country. She was honorable and gracious… RIP Queen Elizabeth II…

She was devoted to a life of service. She inspired and gave hope to her country. She was honorable and gracious… RIP Queen Elizabeth II…

— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) September 9, 2022

When Frances Tiafoe first began his professional career, Washington Wizards General Manager Tommy Shepard invited him into the NBA team’s locker room after a game. Tiafoe introduced himself to several players in the room, including star Bradley Beal, who is now a three-time NBA All Star.

“I’ve always kept track with him ever since then and just been happy with his success and he’s continued to come to games and shown his support,” Beal told ATPTour.com. “It’s kind of crazy to see the success he’s had and seen his journey and being a guy from D.C., that’s even [made it] much bigger.”

Beal has tried to show his own support for Tiafoe at this US Open, where he has been traveling back and forth from Washington to New York while he prepares for his season to watch Tiafoe compete in the US Open. The 29-year-old has watched his friend defeat 22-time major winner Rafael Nadal and ninth seed Andrey Rublev.

“That’s just kind of how D.C. is. D.C. athletes, we have that special relationship with each other. We always reach out to each other and check in. We support one another. We understand this is a true sports town and so we try to support each other’s teams and each other’s endeavours whether it’s on or off the field or court or whatever it is that we do,” Beal said. “It’s always love shown. It’s no different than that. He’s always been awesome in that regard. He’s always shown love to me, to what we’ve done and has always shown his support so this is me kind of paying it back to him.”

Cameras have caught Beal getting out of his chair after big points to support Tiafoe as he has battled into his first Grand Slam semi-final. He has appreciated the energy the 22nd seed has brought to the court, which has earned Tiafoe the full backing of the New York crowd.

.@RealDealBeal23 is loving every minute of this match.@FTiafoe | @WashWizards | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/bp32cWxsge

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2022

“He’s hungry. I think people gravitate towards him because of his passion. It’s all genuine love and just his true character. He doesn’t force anything, it’s just who he is,” Beal said. “He always has a smile on his face, he’s always positive. He’s always encouraging. That’s always someone you want to surround yourself with. He’s kind of a magnet to a lot of people.

“And then his play, he plays with such grace and passion and everybody feeds off of that. He’s a crowd-pleaser in so many ways. People love to watch him play. He’s energetic. I love the fact that he’s always focussed. He has fun with it and I think that’s the most important thing.”

^{Photo Credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images}
During Tiafoe’s match against Rublev, Beal wore a shirt that said ‘Why Not?’, which is similar to a rubber bracelet ‘Big Foe’ wears that reads ‘Why Not Me?’ They share a mindset and Beal has enjoyed seeing his friend’s hard work pay off in person.

“Especially being a pro athlete myself, I have a huge respect for all athletes and what they do, but to be able to see it up close and personal, it’s a different ballgame. To be able to see him in his element and to see him in his zone, it’s very similar. We have those same moments in our game, in our sport as well,” Beal said. “But to acknowledge it and be able to see it in a different realm, there’s nothing like it. You can do nothing but respect it and support it.” 

On the biggest stages, some athletes are so locked in that they do not fully enjoy the atmosphere. Not only does Tiafoe do so — he embraces it and uses it to his advantage, riding the crowd’s support in many matches. Beal has liked seeing Tiafoe focus and have fun at the same time.

“It’s encouraging for sure, it’s definitely motivating in so many ways to be able to see that. It just motivates me to continue to work hard, to continue to push and continue to be better,” Beal said. “To see his journey and to see who he’s become and the tennis player he is right before our eyes has been amazing.”

Beal has watched tennis on television, but Tiafoe’s win against Nadal was his first experience taking it in live. He plans to watch more matches in person moving forward, as he has gained further appreciation for the sport.

“The intensity of it [has stood out]. It is a whole new ball game. The shape that these athletes are in and you have to be in, you have to basically be prepared to play one-on-one for five hours. That’s a mind game in so many ways. It’s a physical beatdown, but with a mental game [within] the game I would say,” Beal said. “It is exemplary. It is definitely a sight to see as a pro. To get it through a different lens has been awesome.”

Will Beal make it to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday to continue supporting Tiafoe as he tries to make his first Grand Slam final? The basketball star is happy to do anything he can to support his friend.

“Everybody’s been saying like I don’t have a choice now!” Beal said, cracking a laugh. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you see me at the match.”

Back in 1972, the ATP was formed at the US Open in a move that revolutionised the sport. Fast forward 16 years and the world’s leading players arrived in New York at the hard-court major demanding further change.

As part of ATP’s anniversary celebrations, ATPTour.com has identified 50 game-changing moments of the past 50 years and collated them in an immersive feature. Here we look at how the ‘Parking Lot Press Conference’ in 1988 paved the way for the creation of the ATP Tour in 1990.

With the ATP logo hastily duct-taped to the podium, a rented PA system and a parking lot for a venue, the press conference of 30 August 1988 that crystallized momentum for the birth of the ATP Tour could be called ‘no frills’ at best. But as ATP CEO Hamilton Jordan delivered ‘Tennis at the Crossroads’, a critique of the opportunities and problems facing men’s professional tennis, the gathering outside the gates of the US Open had immediate — and lasting — impact.

Its roots were long-standing, but in the space of 16 months men’s professional tennis changed irrevocably due to the foresight of the ATP Board, the world’s leading players and the political nous of one man — a former Chief of Staff to US President Jimmy Carter — determined to make a positive change for a sport that had been in a state of flux.

When the Association of Tennis Professionals was created in 1972, the founding fathers had debated the option of creating their own circuit. But, without the financial security and the confidence to do it, it joined tournament directors and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to form the Men’s International Professional Tennis Council (MIPTC), which ran the men’s circuit from 1974 to 1989.

By late 1986, players were unhappy with the way tennis was being marketed and frustrated by regularly seeing its three Council representatives outvoted by a total of six ITF and tournament reps. Cue Jordan’s intervention, and one of the most momentous days in the sport’s history.

From classic matches to legendary players, relive all 50 game-changing moments.

Read more special features in our ATP50 series.