Month: September 2022

This remarkable 19 year old Spaniard has so much game, it’s often hard to believe. Blessed with electric, top-level horsepower *and* firepower, the new World #1 (the youngest ever to achieve the pinnacle) also possesses an abundance of charisma, mental toughness, and and imagination. His natural flair and feel cannot be taught.

“Alcaraz has earned acclaim for his remarkable athletic and physical traits. In particular, his direct sprints, counterattacking abilities from often indefensible positions on court, and an extremely high peak footspeed which has earned him comparisons to a young Rafael Nadal and Gaël Monfils. He has earned comparisons to Novak Djokovic for his assured lateral movement and court-coverage aided by physical splits and sliding through the court on defense, particularly on his backhand side where he is often able to neutralize his opponent’s groundstroke aggression or drop shot attempts. He has also earned comparisons, on occasion, to Roger Federer for his great footwork and ability to go inside-out on his forehand and control the court with his offense.” (from Wikipedia)

“I’ve never played a player who moves as well,” said Frances Tiafoe, who has played the best of the best. “He’s going to be a problem for a very long time.”

“But you get so engaged with Alcaraz when you are watching him and he plays so many unbelievable points that you don’t see other players play,” he added. “Then you add the speed, he can defend and hit the ball harder than anyone.”
—Mats Wilander

{Update 7.17.23}: In a titanic 5-set struggle for supremacy of the men’s game, the young Alcaraz wrested the Wimbledon trophy from 4-time defending champion Novak Djokovic on July 16, 2023. He truly showed his mettle against the steely resolve of the great Serbian immortal.