TENNIS
Becker: “Alcaraz is rewriting tennis history”
The former German player is impressed by Carlos Alcaraz’s skillset and didn’t hesitate to praise the young star after his last performances.
Carlos Alcaraz is the man of the moment. The CarlosMania or, in other words, his fan base, has been growing exponentially this year, as he has kept conquering tennis lovers with his spectacular game and charisma on the courts.
The Spaniard confirmed that his last year’s impact was not casual, when he lifted five ATP trophies, including the US Open in September, becoming the youngest world No. 1 ever at the age of 19.
Alcaraz will return to world No. 1 after the Italian Open when the ATP ranking will be updated. It will be the third time he clinches the top spot and will get to Paris to play at Roland Garros as the top seed.
With a 29-2 record this year, Alcaraz will compete in the Rome tournament for the first time. He will try to win his 11th ATP title as a professional in the Italian capital, with Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Casper Ruud as some of the main names who are also taking part in the event.
Alcaraz “has more punch” than Nadal
Former tennis players Bjorn Borg and Andy Roddick recently praised Alcaraz’s game, admitting that the Murcia native’s potential has no limits.
Now another legend, Boris Becker, had some nice words for Alcaraz.
“Carlos plays tennis very differently. What impresses me the most is his powerful style of play. When he hits his forehand with full topspin, there’s no grass anymore [a German proverb that his hitting is so effective]”, he said to Das Gelbe vom Ball podcast.
“Whoever dares take on a rally against him has lost anyway. We used to say that about [Rafael] Nadal and [Novak] Djokovic. But Alcaraz has even more punch and even more topspin in his shots. That’s why he’s rewriting tennis history”, Becker added.
The six-time major winner also admitted that Alcaraz’s resilience despite his injuries after the US Open last year is something that impressed him a lot.
I am fascinated by the fact that he is playing the way he is playing this year. It’s hard enough to get into the tennis scene and win your first tournaments. Now it surprised me that after a winter of injuries, he continues to play tennis exactly where he left off – with absolute world-class performances”, he stated.
“For me, this is a sign that he will stay there, that he is a player who can and wants to continue winning big tournaments. If he stays healthy, he’s always a contender for a Grand Slam win for the next 10 years”, he concluded.
After retaining his titles in Barcelona and Madrid, Alcaraz is considered the main favorite to become champion at the French Open, which will take place from May 28 to June 11.