Carlos Alcaraz has had some ups and downs this season, exhibiting that he can nonetheless enhance within the coming years. The previous world #1 has already achieved stratospheric outcomes, confirming his predestined standing, however he should proceed to work onerous if he desires to turn into among the finest gamers ever.
The younger Spanish champion received two Grand Slam titles in 2024, the French Open and the Wimbledon Championships, finishing this feat at simply 21 years outdated. The champion from Murcia has confirmed to be a really versatile participant, who can specific a powerful tennis on any floor.
Carlitos was the highest favourite to win the gold medal on the Paris Olympics, contemplating that the Olympic match was performed on his favourite floor (crimson clay). The Spanish ace reached the ultimate with out dropping a set, however he stopped one step from the end line towards an incredible model of Novak Djokovic.
That defeat was very onerous to digest for the four-time Grand Slam champion, who confirmed clear indicators of nervousness in Cincinnati and on the US Open. The present world quantity 2 discovered his serenity early within the fall, shining within the Laver Cup and profitable the ATP 500 in Beijing after defeating Jannik Sinner in an epic ultimate.
Federer’s recommendation
The 21-year-old from Murcia has a exceptional profitable streak, which ended within the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters 1000 towards Czech ace Tomas Machac. Earlier than flying to Saudi Arabia to play the ‘Six Kings Slam’ (during which he was defeated by Sinner within the ultimate), the Spaniard had the possibility to apply with 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer proper within the Chinese language metropolis.
In a current interview with ‘Central Courtroom’, Carlitos recalled that apply session with the Swiss legend: “It was a privilege. We talked about how I ought to method my matches, my type of play, my life off the court docket. He instructed me lots of issues I’m going to maintain for myself.” Carlos and Roger had already met in the course of the Laver Cup in Berlin final month, with the Spaniard having been instrumental in Group Europe’s victory over Group World.
A shiny future
The younger Spaniard is a bit like King Roger for his very full and show-oriented enjoying type. It’s no coincidence that the 21-year-old from Murcia has already received Wimbledon twice and has shone on all surfaces. In a current interview with Sky Sports activities Tennis, former Australian champion Pat Money praised Alcaraz’s wonderful stage on grass: “He hasn’t acquired a weak spot. I virtually suppose he is without doubt one of the greatest … one of the best participant I’ve ever seen on grass at his greatest.
Ever seen and I’m speaking about ever seen. As a result of he’s a younger man, he has taken one of the best of Rafa, one of the best of Federer and he has been in a position to adapt that. With out these nice gamers, he wouldn’t have had that, and he admits that. He stated with out Rafa ‘I wouldn’t be the place I’m’, however he has simply taken one of the best of the whole lot and one way or the other on the age of 21 has put all of it collectively. I’ve by no means seen something like that.”
The Spaniard has already discovered his nemesis, Jannik Sinner, who’s the one participant who appears in a position to counter him within the subsequent decade. The Italian ace is much less full from a play perspective, however has an uncommon consistency all through the season as proven by his ends in 2024. Jannik and Carlitos have cut up the 4 Majors performed in 2024 equally and are set to battle one another once more subsequent yr for the highest of the ATP rating.
In an extended interview with AS, 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal spoke about Alcaraz and Sinner: “Issues are cyclical and it’s logical that once you finish a time the place there have been three gamers who’ve achieved, all three, greater than every other within the historical past of our sport, it’s clear that you just finish an period that has been distinctive and particular for a lot of causes. However we’re speaking about one other period, which already comes a participant like Carlos – who has 4 Grand Slams – and Jannik two. There are champions yearly and if they’ll sustain at this stage, they can even be producing lots of curiosity.
Over time that curiosity will develop for apparent causes, as a result of the nice stars and characters aren’t made in two days. What makes them nice is to endure in time and that it comes at a time that transcends the game, that individuals actually go to see these video games, not solely as a result of they like tennis, however the one who will see the characters themselves.”
