Carlos Alcaraz 'shocked' by Maria Sharapova after Ben Shelton Canadian Open win
Carlos Alcaraz has opened up after beating Ben Shelton at the Canadian Open
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Carlos Alcaraz has revealed he was 'shocked' to get the chance to meet former tennis star Maria Sharapova.
The Spaniard continued his fine form with a 6-3, 7-6 victory over Ben Shelton in the second round of the Canadian Open in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Alcaraz has now won his last 13 matches in a row and has lost just two games at the ATP Masters 1000 level so far this season.
After his victory over Shelton, the Wimbledon champion opened up.
Carlos Alcaraz was thrilled to meet former tennis star Maria Sharapova
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And he shed light on meeting Sharapova, admitting he was 'shocked' to encounter the five-time Grand Slam champion in Canada.
"I watch her, you know, a lot of matches," he said. "She was a great tennis player.
"She was probably one of the best player in the world.
"And I was in shock because I didn't expect her to be here in Toronto. And she was first in the lift and it was [like] 'She is Maria or no?' You know what I mean?
"But it was great to meet her and know that she's going really well, and, you know, she's life right now. And talk a little bit with her, it was really nice."
Sharapova has been blown away by Alcaraz's stunning rise and recently dubbed the 20-year-old 'incredible' for his successful career so far.
“Carlos [Alcaraz] it's incredible," said the 36-year-old.
"What fascinates me most about him is his fighting spirit on every point.
"He manages to put on a show and ignite the crowd every time he sets foot on the field.
"I can't wait to see him grow, I'm really curious to see where he can go and what he can do."
Sharapova also said that while comparisons between Alcaraz and compatriot Rafael Nadal were inevitable, the two Spaniards are two different players.
“I think in the beginning, the comparisons to Rafa [Nadal] were inevitable but he's developing a style and a personality of his own that will make him a one-of-a-kind player," she continued.
Alcaraz, after beating Shelton, was full of praise for his opponent.
"He's really, really tough," said the two-time Grand Slam winner.
"So he's a real aggressive one. He didn't let me play my game that is aggressive going to the net.
"So he did it almost every time. So he's really nice.
"It was tough to get my rhythm. He hits the ball so, so strong. So I couldn't find my game, the good rhythm.
"For me, it's better to start a tournament with good rallies, long ones, to get into the match, get into the rallies.
"But usually every match is a different war, and you have to adapt your game into that."
And Alcaraz said he'd never played against an opponent like Shelton before.
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Carlos Alcaraz was too strong for Ben Shelton at the Canadian Open
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"Honestly, I never played against someone that hit the ball as hard as he hit," he said.
"It's something crazy... some serves at 235 [mph]. Honestly, I almost broke my string.
"I mean, he's going to be over there a long time, I'm sure. We are going to play so many matches more.
"And really happy to get through and have another opportunity to be a little bit more better in the next round."
Alcaraz will now go up against Hubert Hurkacz in the next round.
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