Renowned tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, known for his work with Wimbledon champ Naomi Osaka, has shared his insights on the dynamic and charismatic Carlos Alcaraz. Despite not matching the consistency of tennis legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or rising star Jannik Sinner, Mouratoglou suggests Alcaraz brings an electrifying unpredictability to the game that keeps audiences captivated.
The iconic era of Djokovic and Nadal, whose rivalry shaped a significant part of tennis history, ended with Nadal’s retirement last year. This paved the way for a new generation of players to step up and create their own mark in the tennis world. Among these, the rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner has emerged as particularly thrilling, predicted to dominate the men’s tennis scene in the years to come.
Last year saw Alcaraz and Sinner sharing the glory of four Grand Slam titles. However, Sinner displayed a more consistent performance throughout the year, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed. Yet, the 21-year-old Alcaraz’s game cannot be judged solely on consistency. His career has already seen periods of sheer dominance, interspersed with dry spells without titles.
Mouratoglou points out that Alcaraz’s game offers so much more beyond consistency. His style of play is a fresh departure from the predictability of the old guard. Unlike Djokovic and Nadal, known for their methodical point-building, Alcaraz is a dynamic player who keeps the game lively.
Describing Alcaraz’s play, Mouratoglou said, “He’s more of a puncher. But I think it’s very interesting because he can do so many different things, and he does everything so well. He plays drop shots, he comes to the net, unbelievable power, unbelievable touch, he can return volley, and he does all this in a match—that’s crazy. It’s very exciting, never boring, something is always happening.”
While Alcaraz may not demonstrate the consistency of Djokovic, Nadal, or Sinner at their peak, his fiery spirit and versatility on the court more than make up for it. His dynamic style and the excitement he brings to each match ensure that his game is never dull.
This year, Alcaraz, currently ranked third, clinched the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam. However, his quest for the Australian Open title was cut short after a defeat to Djokovic in the quarterfinals. Despite the loss, Alcaraz’s journey so far suggests that he has much more to offer to the world of tennis. With his vibrant game and electrifying presence, he is undeniably a player to watch out for.