Patrick Mouratoglou: ‘Carlos Alcaraz is a combination of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’
Carlos Alcaraz unites some of the best qualities of all three of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in his play according to prolific coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
The young Spaniard was touted as a big talent entering 2022 ranked 32nd in the world. Still, few could have predicted such a meteoric rise for him this season as Alcaraz topped the ATP rankings following his US Open triumph.
Before New York the teenage sensation claimed a second career title in Rio de Janeiro before Masters crowns in Miami and Madrid.
“He combines the qualities of the three greatest players of all time,” Mouratoglou told Tennis Majors of Alcaraz. “I think the one his game is closest to is Federer. Like him, he’s super aggressive and super creative, always trying to do something with the ball. The speed with which he is able to go from the back to the inside of the court, that’s pure Roger.
“At the same time, he has the counter-attacking qualities of Djokovic. And he can play long rallies with a lot of spin, like Nadal. To top it off, he serves very well for his size, and he returns very well.”
Alcaraz has already beaten Djokovic and Nadal once each on tour. Unfortunately he did not face Federer before the Swiss retired this September.
As the youngest man to top the ATP rankings ever, Alcaraz must have a particularly unique set of skills. Mouratoglou agrees, highlighting one aspect of his game specifically.
“His game combines incredible power and an incredible touch,” Mouratoglou explained. “Normally, we have one or the other. He has both. And I think it’s unheard of at this point. In the same way that I’ve never seen a 19-year-old player so complete.”
Alcaraz will compete at the year-end ATP Finals in Turin after qualifying for the event during his US Open run. He makes his debut just a year after winning the Next Gen Finals, the under-21 equivalent. Can he emulate Stefanos Tsitsipas who won the event on his debut in 2019, also a year after winning the Next Gen Finals?
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