"He plays a similar kind of game to Djokovic but is more electric and more powerful" - Patrick McEnroe on Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz has enamored tennis fans and pundits alike with his passion for the sport and his aggressive and crafty game. The Spaniard has been in blistering form this season, breaking into the top 10 and winning back-to-back titles in Barcelona and Madrid.
Speaking on an episode of the Holding Court podcast, McEnroe said that many aspects of the teenager's style of play are quite similar to Novak Djokovic's. The American expressed that Carlos Alcaraz strikes a forehand and a backhand much like the Serbian, while still not having an equally effective slice.
Having said that, he feels the youngster is more 'electric and powerful' than the World No. 1.
"He's right-handed, (has a) big forehand, a solid two-handed backhand. Maybe not quite the versatility on the slice yet as Djokovic. He plays a similar kind of game to Djokovic but is more electric and more powerful in some ways," McEnroe said during a chat with American sportswriter Peter Bodo.
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Great things to come from this talent in the future. Good luck in the final tomorrow @alcarazcarlos03 🎾
Muchas gracias Madrid! ❤️ @MutuaMadridOpen #MMOPEN https://t.co/YHGKpVTezO
The former player feels that Alcaraz hits the ball big on the run, something Djokovic is known for.
"Does he move as well as Djokovic? Pretty darn close. Can he hit the ball bigger on the run? I would say, probably yes," McEnroe added.
From a technical standpoint, McEnroe said he could find no weaknesses in Alcaraz's game. However, he admitted that the 19-year-old will need to work on being more consistent as he plays more tournaments.
"There really doesn't appear to be any weakness at all in his game...You're gonna have to go out there and grind it out against him.."He doesn't have any weaknesses other than being a bit inconsistent," the former French Open doubles champion said.
The first man EVER to beat Nadal & Djokovic back-to-back on clay!
@alcarazcarlos03 | @MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN https://t.co/D9WCMFGrKR
Carlos Alcaraz will take the game to another level, according to McEnroe, who feels the Spaniard could be a legendary player in the future.
"Alcaraz is in the process of taking the game to another level, which is amazing considering what we've seen in the last 15-20 years with those three other guys...He's a special guy," the younger McEnroe brother expressed.
McEnroe believes Carlos Alcaraz is the favorite to win the French Open
Patrick McEnroe agrees with most current predictions and odds from bookmakers who have billed Carlos Alcaraz as one of the favorites to win Roland Garros. While he believes Nadal would be a heavy favorite for the French Open if not for his fitness troubles, he feels Djokovic is certainly the player to beat this year.
"Alcaraz will walk into the grounds of Roland Garros as a favorite...If you force me to go out on a limb and make a pick right now, it's still hard for me to pick against Novak Djokovic because he's looking like he's peaking," McEnroe opined.
Serving for the match vs Nadal in Spain...
...and @alcarazcarlos03 produces this level 🤯
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The Spaniard will aim to become the youngest men's Grand Slam champion since his countryman Rafael Nadal, who won the French Open in 2005 as a 19-year-old.
Also Check Out: Novak Djokovic French Open Titles