For Alcaraz, clinching the final Grand Slam needed for a career slam at such a young age would only solidify his already impressive legacy. Cash, who triumphed at Wimbledon in 1987, suggests that to emulate the longevity and sustained excellence of modern tennis legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz will need to keep his passion for the game alive. “He could look at it and think, ‘I’ve done just about everything and I’m getting sick of this,’” Cash remarked, adding that Alcaraz’s current enthusiasm for the sport bodes well for his future.
Alcaraz’s all-around game has already set him apart from his peers, and Cash is in awe of his completeness at such a young age. “Alcaraz has got everything,” Cash stated. “I’ve never seen a young player who has developed all his game at such a young age.” In fact, he believes Alcaraz is the most complete young player since Boris Becker, who won Wimbledon as a teenager. Cash marvels at the Spaniard’s speed, versatility, and ability to perform on any surface, a trait he has demonstrated by winning Grand Slams on three different courts.
In comparison, Cash recalls how even established stars like Federer and Nadal had notable weaknesses early in their careers—Federer had to refine his backhand, while Nadal worked on his volleys. But Alcaraz, according to Cash, already has a polished game that could make him a contender in every tournament he enters, especially when paired against rising star Jannik Sinner, whose own potential is undeniable.
“Sinner hasn’t quite cracked the grass yet, but both of them are playing exceptional tennis,” Cash notes. However, it is not just their technical prowess but also their health and mindset that will determine how far they go. “It’s about staying healthy and enjoying the game. It can be a grind, doing it week after week,” Cash reflected. While Alcaraz’s fiery passion is exciting, Cash feels Sinner’s calmer demeanor may give him the edge for a longer career.
Despite his admiration for Alcaraz, Cash has placed his bets on Sinner as the favorite to defend his Australian Open title. “It’s a new season, and anyone can win the Australian Open, but Jannik Sinner is looking unstoppable on hard courts,” he explained. With an impressive year behind him, Sinner is in peak form, moving fluidly and delivering powerful serves that leave opponents scrambling.
Cash sees the current men’s tennis landscape as a two-player race, with Alcaraz and Sinner leading the pack. “It’s a bit of a change from the days when Murray, Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer were all in contention,” Cash observed. “But now it feels like Sinner and Alcaraz are in a league of their own.” While Novak Djokovic may still have more Grand Slam titles in him, and Alexander Zverev could be a threat, Cash firmly believes that Sinner is the favorite heading into the Australian Open.
Alcaraz’s quest for a career Grand Slam will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling storylines of the upcoming season. If he can manage to outplay Sinner and neutralize his brilliance, Alcaraz’s legacy could be cemented as one of tennis’s all-time greats in record time.