Ex-World No.1, Carlos Alcaraz has been a crucial player to watch in the opening stages of the 2025 tennis season, already showcasing his prowess by clinching the title at Rotterdam, and delivering impressive performances at the Australian Open and the Doha ATP 500, reaching the quarterfinals at both events. Despite his valiant efforts, he was halted by formidable competitors, Novak Djokovic and Jiri Lehecka, respectively.
The 21-year-old Spanish sensation has been investing significant time during the off-season to refine his serve with the guidance of his coaches, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel Lopez. The alterations made to the mechanics of his serve are expected to yield fruitful results with time.
Despite his four Grand Slam wins, Alcaraz’s mental game needs polishing to eradicate the inconsistencies that persist, as was clearly evident in his recent defeat against Lehecka in Doha. He lost four consecutive games in the third set while he was in a commanding position.
Alcaraz’s skills may not yet match those of his distinguished rival, Jannik Sinner, but it’s important to remember that Alcaraz, or ‘Carlitos’ as he is affectionately known, is still very much in the early stages of his career. With time on his side, he has ample opportunity to iron out his deficiencies and enhance his performance.
John Isner, the former World No.8, recently shared his thoughts on Alcaraz’s future in tennis on an episode of the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast. Isner discussed the Spaniard’s upcoming match against Frances Tiafoe, scheduled for March 2nd, and his subsequent attempt to secure his third consecutive trophy at Indian Wells.
According to Isner, the slow courts at Indian Wells, coupled with high-bouncing balls, are perfectly suited for Alcaraz’s style of play, making his shots all the more potent.
Isner emphasized that, despite Alcaraz’s commendable achievements at such a young age, his peak performance is still a few years away. He said, “It’s easy to forget that he is just 21. His best tennis, arguably, is likely to be five years from now. He hasn’t even reached his peak. Despite his remarkable abilities and his Grand Slam wins at such a young age, he still has a lot of maturing to do.”
In conclusion, while Alcaraz may have already made a significant impact on the world of tennis, there’s still a lot to look forward to in his promising career. His journey to the peak is just beginning, and the tennis fraternity eagerly anticipates his progression and growth in the years to come.