US Open Second Service: Carlos Alcaraz has ‘veteran mentality’; US Open ‘best Slam’ for years
On Second Service today, Carlos Alcaraz has a ‘veteran mentality’, and this year’s US Open is touted as being the best Major for many years.
Firstly, Alex Corretja has praised 18-year-old Alcaraz’ superb mentality after he earned a spot in the US Open quarter-finals.
Alcaraz, 18, had to battle from behind to beat qualifier Peter Gojowczyk to become the youngest man to reach the last eight in US Open history.
“What Carlos Alcaraz did in the fourth round is so impressive because the other day he enjoyed the match against Tsitsipas, he went for it, he played aggressive. He was having fun,” Corretja said.
“But today against Gojowczyk he needed to struggle, he needed to suffer, he needed to hang on in there, he needed to feel bad, he needed to defend.
“He is a kid with a veteran mentality and he showed today that he is meant to be a champion.”
See more of what Corretja had to say here
On the topic of Corretja, the former world number two believes the 2021 US Open is the best Grand Slam tennis has seen in years.
There were fears for the tournament when Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and Dominic Thiem all pulled out before the event with injury, though the young players have certainly stepped up to the plate.
“The matches at this tournament are unbelievable,” Corretja said of the US Open.
“I think we have seen so many good matches, so many young guys coming up, showing that tennis – men’s and women’s – is very close. The gap between the top 80 or 90 is not that huge, or at least as not as big as it used to be.
“I think it has been the best Grand Slam I can remember in so many years.”
Take a look at Corretja’s full quotes here
British star Dan Evans fell to second seed Daniil Medvedev in the fourth round and admitted there was a gulf in class between the pair.
The Russian continued his perfect record of not dropping a set yet in the competition, and Evans says he hopes he never has to play Medvedev again such was his brilliance.
“In sport, there’s levels, and he was a different level to me today,” conceded Evans.
“It looks very unorthodox, but he’s hitting the ball pretty big, very close to the lines, great serve. I think the serve for me is the thing I think is a bit underrated. He goes through his service games very quickly.
“You’re looking at the draw hoping he’s nowhere near me for the rest of my days.”
See more of what Evans had to say here
Lastly, Alex Corretja believes Emma Raducanu is more than prepared to exceed her achievements at Wimbledon two months ago.
Raducanu, who is playing just her second Slam main draw, could go one step further than her fourth round at the All England Club should she overcome Shelby Rogers on Monday.
“100% [she is ready for the next round],” Corretja explained on Eurosport.
“First because she learned. Second because when she got to Wimbledon she wasn’t as ready as now.
“She has been playing many more matches during the summertime to help her understand the game, get different situations now get more confidence.
“Now she has been winning so many more matches here in New York, she literally destroyed the Spanish girl Sara Sorribes Tormo.”
Take a look at Corretja’s full quotes here
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