Former WTA star Alexandra Stevenson believes Carlos Alcaraz has rejuvenated the men’s tennis after the fans were upset by the void left by the absence of Federer and Nadal on the ATP tour.
The American who now works for ESPN as commentator as analyst, thinks this year’s Wimbledon Championships and US Open were a proof that men’s tennis can survive without Federer and Nadal. She was alluding to the fact that in a change of guard moment Alcaraz earlier in July, overcame Novak Djokovic in a 5-set thriller at the 2023 Wimbledon final to clinch his second major title. The 20-year-old became the first man outside Big Four since Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic to win at SW19 since Lleyton Hewitt lifted the trophy at the All England Club in 2002.
The world #2 then reached the semifinals of US Open where his title defense dream was shattered by Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic managed to take home the exploits as he sealed his record-extending 24th Grand Slam title by defeating Medvedev in the final.
The men’s draw also recorded the highlighted success of the 20-year-old rising American Ben Shelton who reached the semis to eventually lose to the 36-year-old legendary Serbian, the eventual champion.
Talking on an episode of Match Point Canada podcast, Stevenson suggested the last two major events showcased that tennis is in good hands on the ATP side of the tour.
“I think Wimbledon and US Open this year showed that there’s more to – now Roger and Rafa and Andy Murray, I mean Andy Murray is still playing and he’s still exciting to watch – but there is more to men’s tennis to watch than those three,” assessed Stevenson.
“So I feel like this US Open was important for the tennis world again to see on the men’s side – there are lot of new characters and there are more and they are exciting and their personality – and I feel like Alcaraz is leading the charge obviously and he has really invigorated the men’s game after people being upset that Roger and Rafa are not playing.”
The 42-year-old also reflected on her retirement that was significantly dictated by a shoulder injury.
“I’ve never had that clarity (about retirement) and I’m not content (laugh) – and I’m being honest. I got hurt with my shoulder and I felt like I was about to break in. I was 18 in the world and I was really finding my game,” said the former WTA world No. 18.
“I was beating [players] from 1-10, and I’d beaten [Jennifer] Capriati three times in a row and she was ranked 1. And I finally kind of found the rhythm, it took me four years to figure it out and I was finding my game.
“And then I hurt my shoulder. And then I got surgery and then I fought my way back to like 200 [in the world]. And I just really didn’t have the backing of a team and the building that you need.
“Once my shoulder got hurt, I lost – everybody in my tennis life, they kinda just walked away. They didn’t wanna help me out and that was difficult.”