Young tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has admitted to a major weakness in his game that could be hindering his path to greatness. Despite his meteoric rise to World No. 3 and clinching two major titles in 2024, the 21-year-old Spanish prodigy confessed to a flaw that threatens to derail his success.
Known for his unmatched athleticism and court coverage, Alcaraz has attributed his occasional losses to his tendency to rely on instinct rather than a structured game plan. He acknowledged, “Sometimes it has happened to me that when I’m winning a match, and I’m feeling good, I lower the intensity and end up losing. I’ve learned a lot from that. I think that many times I play by instinct in the important moments. I do what I feel, and that’s not good. Maybe you have to follow a strategy.”
Despite being likened to a blend of tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz recognizes the importance of incorporating a more strategic approach into his game, akin to Federer’s renowned cerebral style. The young star’s preference for aggressive net play and shot variety mirrors that of Federer, but he acknowledges the Swiss maestro’s consistency and unwavering standards as areas for personal growth.
Alcaraz’s potential was evident when he triumphed in his first major tournament at just 19 years old. However, his lack of experience compared to tennis titans like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic may pose challenges that he is determined to overcome. In the 2023 Wimbledon final, Djokovic lauded Alcaraz as possessing the best qualities of the ‘Big Three’, signifying the young player’s immense talent and potential.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz aims to defend his French Open title at Roland Garros, seeking redemption after his defeat to Djokovic at the Australian Open earlier this year. With a hunger for improvement and a growing awareness of his weaknesses, Carlos Alcaraz is poised to continue his ascent in the tennis world, driven by a desire to refine his game and solidify his legacy among the sport’s greats.
