Carlos Alcaraz in enjoying the meteoric rise and the frequency of talks surrounding him will only increase with the every passing tournament. Tennis veteran Nicolás Pereira suggests that the Spaniard has talent and temperament required to challenge the apparently unbreakable records build by Novak, Nadal and Federer.
The 20-year old has already won 12 ATP tour level titles (all singles) that include 2 Grand Slams (US Open 2022 and Wimbledon 2023) and four ATP Masters 1000 crowns. Currently leading the ATP race to Turin, the world No. 1 became the first player to come over Novak Djokovic (unbeaten at the Championships Center Court since 2013) at Wimbledon since 2017 after registering an epic five set victory in the final.
The Wimbledon victor will be defending his US Open crown in a couple of weeks, having defeated Norwegian Casper Ruud in the last year’s final that saw him claiming his maiden major title.
Talking to a Spanish tennis publisher, ClayTenis, Nicolas Pereira discussed last month’s blockbuster clash at SW19 and the ability of Spanish prodigy to match or chase the records of Tennis’ Big Three.
“It exceeded all expectations. It was one of the best matches I’ve seen in recent years. A star was born in front of our eyes. Carlitos Alcaraz won the US Open, yes, but it is not the same in Wimbledon Centre Court against the seven-time champion and the best player at the moment, Novak Djokovic,” said Pereira.
“You have to stop and analyze the tiebreak of the second set, also that 27-minute game, which is the best we have seen on that stage. The way Alcaraz held that break, and the way he closed the match is incredible.
“If at 20 years old Alcaraz showed that mettle and that audacity in such delicate moments, then there is hope for a bright future. He has played only 10 Grand Slam tournaments and has won two. Think about it, neither Federer, nor Nadal, nor Djokovic were at his level at this point in their career.
“Alcaraz has the talent and temperament to go for those ‘Big Three’ numbers that seem unattainable. It remains to be seen how he deals with injuries. He has it all.”
Pereira, also seconded Djokovic’s comment that described the 20-year-old’s game as a combination of qualities shared by the Big Three.
“I agree with Djokovic, that Alcaraz combines many qualities of the Big Three. He saw them play since he was born, imagine what a good influence for a player. And I don’t think he will be the only one, I think more will come with the inspirational legacy of the Big Three.
“We must mention Juan Carlos Ferrero, a great job he has done. Many do not know that was the agent Albert Molina who 7-8 years ago took Alcaraz to him to start the project. It is incredible what we see, an impressive story,” added Venezuelan who works for Tennis Channel as an analyst.