Mouratoglou: Alcaraz’s Remarkable Year Marks a Milestone in Tennis
According to coaching expert Patrick Mouratoglou, Carlos Alcaraz has accomplished one of the most formidable feats in tennis this year. While Jannik Sinner is poised to finish the 2024 season as the world No. 1, having captured both the Australian Open and US Open titles, Alcaraz’s year has been nothing short of spectacular.
Alcaraz heads into the final stretch of the year reflecting on significant achievements, including victories over Sinner in all three of their ATP Tour encounters. He’s also preparing for his debut at the Olympic Games, where he has already made a mark by winning a gold medal in singles and partnering with the legendary Rafael Nadal in doubles.
However, the hallmark of Alcaraz’s 2024 season will undoubtedly be his triumphs at the French Open and Wimbledon. His ability to navigate the distinct challenges of winning on both clay and grass within a few weeks showcases his exceptional adaptability on the court.
Transitioning from the slow, high-bouncing clay of Roland Garros to the fast, low-bouncing grass of Wimbledon is a true test of a player’s versatility. Alcaraz proved his mettle by defeating Sinner in the French Open semi-finals, before overcoming Alexander Zverev in the final. He then delivered a stunning performance against seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in a final that will be remembered for its brilliance.
In an exclusive interview with Tennis365 at the UTS Grand Final in London, set to take place from December 6-8, Mouratoglou elaborated on Alcaraz’s monumental achievements. He posited that winning both Grand Slam titles in such quick succession represents a pinnacle challenge in tennis. “What he did is probably the most difficult thing to do in tennis, to win back-to-back tournaments that are opposite in terms of qualities,” Mouratoglou remarked.
He further highlighted the contrasting demands of each tournament: “At Roland Garros, you need to be light on your feet, sliding and using plenty of spin for those longer rallies. Then you shift to Wimbledon, where the focus is on returning big serves, requiring a lower stance and no sliding. The proximity of these two events makes achieving success at both even more remarkable.”
Mouratoglou also weighed in on Alcaraz’s surprising early exit from the US Open, suggesting it was a consequence of the emotional and physical toll from his Grand Slam victories and Olympic experience. “He was exhausted, mentally drained. Two Grand Slam wins in a row, then immediately facing the Olympic Games and various other tournaments—it was simply too much,” he explained.
“He’s mentioned having an overwhelming number of thoughts and emotions, which is typical for someone feeling emotionally spent. When your mind isn’t fresh, performing becomes increasingly challenging.” Mouratoglou noted that Alcaraz, who often displays his emotions on the court, has experienced cramps multiple times at just 20 years old—something rarely seen in the careers of legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic.
Going forward, Mouratoglou emphasized the need for Alcaraz to carefully plan his calendar to allow for mental rest in addition to physical recovery. “Mental rest is crucial for his future,” he advised, though he remains optimistic about Alcaraz’s trajectory.
“There’s no need to worry about Alcaraz. Just look at what he has accomplished at 21—it’s truly amazing. His achievements this year highlight his potential to continue winning Grand Slams for the next decade.” With such a promising future ahead, Alcaraz is certainly a player to watch in the coming years.