While many feel safe to ride on the Carlos Alcaraz vibe, Roger Federer’s former coach has a different view and thinks that 2023 Wimbledon Champion could be about to face his biggest challenge yet after just securing biggest win of his career at SW19.
Alcaraz’s epic five-set victory against Novak in last month at Wimbledon was nothing short of a statement as he cemented his status as ATP #1 and many saw it like changing of guard at the top echelon of men’s tennis but the Swiss begs to differ believing that the 20-year old has to get through some tough tests.
After clinching his second title at Wimbledon this year, the tennis minds were quick to indulge themselves in the debate of Grand Slam count for the young Spaniard.
However, Severin Luthi has opted a more cautious route about predictions around Alcaraz and insists that it is too early to estimate him rightly.
“He definitely has what it takes to win many Grand Slam tournaments and yet we don’t know what will happen in two years’ time,” Luthi told Blick.
“What if he hurts himself? What if there’s another one coming out in a few years that we all say is even more incredible? And how someone will react to the great success is something we can’t estimate that early on.
“I guess I’ve been wrong about most of the predictions I’ve made in my life. I still remember when Pete Sampras had won 14 Grand Slam titles, I said: ‘No one will ever achieve that again!’.
“Now we already have three players who have 20 or more Grand Slam wins. And it’s not like 250 years have passed since I made my statement.”
When pressed on the complete skillset of the Murcia native, Luthi admitted that he like others is a big fan of the youngster’s playing style variety and energy.
“I like watching him, he plays in a variety of ways, something always happens when he’s on the court,” he continued.
“I really like his energy. He also still has ups and downs in his service games. But of course, he is a very complete player.”
Luthi went on to confirm he remains in touch with Federer, even though their professional relationship ended when the Swiss maestro retired last year.
“We recently met via Facetime because it was his two daughters’ birthdays,” he added. “Otherwise the contact is irregular. Roger is still on the road a lot. He still has a special life.
“We are still connected through other things as well. Through the sponsor Uniqlo, for example. Or the Laver Cup. And this year we have already met twice in Dubai. Once when I was vacationing there.
“He enjoys life after his career. He’s always been a world champion at making the best of a situation – cheerful and positive as he is.
“He can now focus on other things: on the family, building the house, his foundation and the sponsors. He no longer has the stress of building up tension before tournaments.
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate that. Because tennis itself was never the problem. He probably would have played to 100 if he could have.”
Talking about his break from the ATP tour, the top coach confirmed that he is enjoying life away from the hectic tennis circuit and feels satisfied after jointly resigning with Federer as coach. However, he confirmed that he is ready to return to another coaching stint if there is a right opportunity.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz is back on track as he vows to compete for his the 13th career title and his third Grand Slam as the countdown for the Flushing Meadows has begun. Seeking revenge of the last Slam, Novak could is billed to challenge the Spaniard for his 24th major.