Carlos Alcaraz ‘capable’ of eclipsing ‘big three’ claims beaten opponent

Carlos Alcaraz has been described as having no weakness by Thanasi Kokkinakis, who even went as far to say that the Spaniard could surpass ‘the big three’.

Alcaraz beat Kokkinakis, 6-3 6-3, in the second round of Indian Wells, in the 19-year-old’s first match since picking up a hamstring injury in his Rio Open final defeat.

The Aussie said, “It’s not just that he’s [Alcaraz] got no weaknesses, but he just plays with great energy. He plays tennis the right way. He’s always up and about, he’s always smiling.”

He continued, “I think the crowd loves watching him because his energy is almost contagious.”

Kokkinakis not only described Alcaraz as a crowd favourite, but also one of his personal favourite players to watch on the tour, “He’s one of my favourite players to watch. Whenever he’s playing, I try to tune in if I’ve got time. I just like the way he plays. He’s got good firepower, he’s lightning quick, he’s got good hands.”

The ‘big three’ of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have dominated men’s tennis for almost 20 years, winning a combined 64 Grand Slam titles.

Alcaraz won his first major title at the US Open last year, and Kokkinakis has suggested that the No.2 could even challenge the many records set by the three tennis greats.

“It’s so hard to eclipse what those legends have done in our sports with how many Slams they’ve won, but he’s definitely capable and I think he’s got a shot if he stays healthy for sure,” claimed the doubles partner of Nick Kyrgios.

Alcaraz’s victory over Kokkinakis was a first time meeting between the pair, and the Spaniard will now go onto face Tallon Griekspoor in the third round.

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