Arthur Cazaux, a 21-year-old wildcard entrant from France, has emerged as the unexpected star of the 2024 Australian Open, stunning the tennis world with his remarkable run. In a field dominated by familiar names like Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Carlos Alcaraz, Cazaux’s journey has been nothing short of sensational.
In the earlier rounds, Cazaux achieved notable upsets by defeating the 8-seed Holger Rune and the 28-seed Tallon Griekspoor, securing his place in the last 16. What makes his feat even more extraordinary is his status as a reciprocal wildcard recipient, a designation not commonly associated with players making deep runs in Grand Slam tournaments.
Cazaux’s triumph at the Australian Open is a stark contrast to his pre-tournament profile. Prior to this event, he had only won a single ATP tour match, not in a Grand Slam but in a regular 250-event tour match against compatriot Adrian Mannarino in 2021. His entry into the fourth round marks him as the first wildcard to achieve such a feat at the Australian Open since Denis Istomin in 2017.
The young Frenchman, with a confident demeanor, expressed that he always believed in his ability to play at a high level. Despite having limited exposure to top-ranked opponents, Cazaux demonstrated unwavering self-assurance. His recent success has further boosted his confidence, proving that he can compete and triumph against formidable players in crucial matches.
While opponents like Hubert Hurkacz scramble to understand Cazaux’s game, the wildcard entrant remains composed. Cazaux emphasized that he was confident in his abilities but acknowledged that proving it in a real match added a new level of assurance. His recent straight-sets victory over Griekspoor showcased his skill and determination.
Cazaux’s relative obscurity on the professional tennis circuit adds an element of surprise to his journey. Having primarily played on the Challenger tour and with limited exposure to top-tier competition, his breakthrough at the Australian Open is a testament to his talent and resilience. Notably, he possesses a formidable serve, ranking among the top five in terms of speed recorded at the tournament.
Ranked 122 before the Australian Open, Cazaux is set to make a significant leap in the rankings, potentially entering the top 90. His breakthrough run has not only earned him recognition but also a substantial financial reward. With a guaranteed $249,000 for reaching the fourth round, Cazaux has nearly surpassed his total earnings for the entire year of 2023.
As he prepares to face Hurkacz in the upcoming match, Cazaux remains unfazed by the pressure. He attributes his mental strength and readiness to fight in every match as key factors in his success. The Australian Open holds a special place in his heart as his first tournament down under, and he appreciates the unique atmosphere, the Aussie crowd, and the wonderful setting.
In summary, Arthur Cazaux’s journey at the Australian Open 2024 is a captivating tale of an underdog wildcard entrant defying expectations and making an indelible mark on the tennis world. His remarkable victories, powerful serves, and composed demeanor have turned him into a breakout star of the tournament, leaving fans and opponents alike in awe of his unexpected ascent.
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By- Sahiba Suri