Boris Becker thinks Carlos Alcaraz has ‘more punch’ than Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic
Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker has claimed Carlos Alcaraz has ‘even more punch’ in his game than legends Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The German great believes the Spaniard is ‘rewriting tennis history’ and expects him to contend for major titles for the next decade.
Alcaraz, the current world No 2, will return to the top of the ATP Rankings following the ongoing Italian Open. This means he will be the top seed for the French Open, which begins on May 28.
The US Open champion just had to compete in his opening match in Rome to ensure he would overtake Djokovic after the ATP Masters 1000 event. The Murcia-born star comfortably prevailed 6-4, 6-1 against countryman Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the second round contest.
Alcaraz has a brilliant 30-2 overall record so far in 2023, winning four titles. Three of these triumphs have been at clay courts events, with the Spaniard completing consecutive title defences in Barcelona and Madrid at his previous two tournaments.
Former world No 1 Becker lauded the 20-year-old’s aggressive playing style and his level so far in 2023.
“Carlos plays tennis very differently. What impresses me the most is his powerful style of play. When he hits his forehand with full topspin, there’s no grass anymore [a German proverb that his hitting is so effective],” Becker told Eurosport.
“Whoever dares take on a rally against him has lost anyway. We used to say that about [Rafael] Nadal and [Novak] Djokovic. But Alcaraz has even more punch and even more topspin in his shots. That’s why he’s rewriting tennis history.
“I am fascinated by the fact that he is playing the way he is playing this year. It’s hard enough to get into the tennis scene and win your first tournaments. Now it surprised me that after a winter of injuries he continues to play tennis exactly where he left off – with absolute world-class performances.”
The three-time Wimbledon winner also assessed how long Alcaraz can remain at the top of the men’s game.
“For me, this is a sign that he will stay there, that he is a player who can and wants to continue winning big tournaments. If he stays healthy, he’s always a contender for a Grand Slam win for the next 10 years,” the 55-year-old continued.
“He would have the talent and the appetite for it. But so many things can go wrong. He can get injured or lose the will once he has won everything three or four times.
“My wish is that he doesn’t lose the desire and the mood for our wonderful sport and that we’ll still be talking about Carlos Alcaraz in 15 years’ time.”
Alcaraz will play either Jiri Lehecka or Fabian Marozsan in the third round of the Italian Open.
