3 reasons why Carlos Alcaraz can develop into an all-time great
Our world is filled with talent. But talent alone isn’t enough. Only when talent is backed up by hard work can magic happen. That is the case with young Spanish sensation, Carlos Alcaraz.
The teenager has taken the tennis world by storm since last year’s US Open where he stunned Stefanos Tsitsipas in five thrilling sets in his third-round clash.
The Spaniard, who is just 18, possesses one of the most complete games for his age. His dedication, coupled with his mature on-court temperament, makes him one of the most exciting young prospects to watch out for on the tour.
Drawing confidence from his memorable triumph at the Next Gen ATP Finals last year, Alcaraz has made giant strides this season with a series of breathtaking performances.
He won his maiden ATP 500 tournament in Rio, pushed Rafael Nadal to the brink at Indian Wells and beat Tsitsipas in straight sets in Miami. The 18-year-old has been nothing short of spectacular so far this season.
After recording breathtaking wins over Marin Cilic, Tsitsipas, Miomir Kecmanović and Hubert Hurkacz in Miami, the Spaniard has stormed into his first-ever Masters 1000 final. As he chases his maiden Masters 1000 title, let’s dive deeper into three things that make Carlos Alcaraz an exceptional player and a potential future great.
#1 No real weaknesses
While holding serve is an essential aspect of tennis, the ability to break consistently is the driving force behind winning matches. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are widely regarded as the best returners among active players.
However, Alcaraz, in his fledgling career so far, has already established a reputation for being a relentless returner. As per the stats released by ATP (Infosys ATP Behind the Numbers), Alcaraz’s return game is up among the best as far as breaking serve from specific points is concerned.
His return game was on full display in his victory over an aggressive server in Tsitsipas in Miami, as he broke the Greek on four occasions.
Alcaraz’s dominant return game has been one of the key reasons behind his success and consistency on the tour. With age on his side and a solid foundation, one can expect the Spaniard to mature with time and improve his return game even further to challenge the world’s best.
Meanwhile, his net game is also incredible for his age. Being an offensive player, Alcaraz makes a conscious effort to step up to the net to finish off points. His finesse and hand skills at the net, coupled with his breathtaking reflexes, make him a delightful volleyer.
In an era of big-hitting baseliners who refuse to concede an inch from the back of the court, Alcaraz’s ability to move forward is a breath of fresh air.
#2 Carlos Alcaraz is a great mover and has an impeccable tennis IQ
The teenager possesses all the shots in the book and is an exceptional mover on the court. His athleticism, speed and exceptional court coverage were on full display in his win over Kecmanovic in the quarterfinals in Miami. His shot tolerance at such a young age is also incredible.
His match awareness is also up there with the best. His ability to understand the game to stay one step ahead of his opponents has paid rich dividends so far this season.
While he is yet to prove his caliber on grass, he has been sensational on clay and hardcourt. With his structured game and impeccable tennis IQ, he certainly has the tools to do well on grass, thereby developing into an all-surface player.
#3 Carlos Alcaraz has a big-match temperament
Alcaraz’s on-court demeanor and temperament are probably the Spaniard's greatest assets. His maturity and the way he carries himself on the court speak volumes of his mindset.
As far as the handling of emotions on the court is concerned, his demeanor is similar to that of his compatriot Rafael Nadal. His ability to stay in the moment is a great asset and has brought him rich dividends in his short career so far.
He showcased that in spades during his third-round clash against Matteo Berrettini at the Australian Open. The Spaniard fought back from two-sets-to-love down to force a decider, showcasing his self-belief and fighting spirit.
Victories over big names like Andy Murray, Tsitsipas, Diego Schwartzman, Berrettini and Cameron Norrie attest to the fact that he is a big-match player.
The 18-year-old still has a long way to go. However, he has all the ingredients to become one of the most successful players the sport has ever seen.