21 under 21 to watch in '21: Carlos Alcaraz

Baseline is looking ahead to the new year by showcasing 21 players under 21 to watch out for in '21. To make the coveted list, players must be born in 2000 or later.

Carlos Alcaraz made the most out a whirlwind year. The crafty Spaniard kicked off the season by claiming 14 consecutive matches, and even though the sport was halted by COVID-19, he resumed play as if there was no break at all.

The 17-year-old captured two ITF events in January and in just his second event following the tour shutdown in Trieste, he won again. Alcaraz defeated fellow rising star Lorenzo Musetti in Trieste's semifinal. His win came just before Musetti's incredible run in Rome, where the Italian took out Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori to reach the ATP Masters 1000 round of 16.

Despite the significantly shortened season, Alcaraz collected two more ATP Challenger titles before the end of 2020 to finish with five trophies. To put his evolution in perspective, he had just one ITF title to his name before this year.

Ranking: No. 141

Age: 17 (May 5, 2003)

What he did in 2020: Won two ITF events at the start of the season, and finished strong by picking up three ATP Challenger titles to close out the year.

Instagram:@carlitosalcarazz

Skill Highlights: The Spaniard is willing to stick in the long rallies without pulling the trigger prematurely. He knows when to step into the court, and he keeps his opponents guessing by throwing in a drop shot or two.

Career Highlights: At the Rio Open, the teen received a wild card into his first ATP main draw, where he won his opening round against Albert Ramos Vinolas (marking his first Top 50 victory). Across all levels, he put together a 39-7 winning record, and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 136 in October.