‘Carlos Alcaraz is a combination of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi’
Rick Macci has described Carlos Alcaraz as a combination of tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi and backed him to win “such a bucket of Grand Slams.”
The esteemed tennis coach declared that “we’ve never seen anything like” Alcaraz and marvelled at the Spaniard’s amazing speed and drop shot “from outer space.”
Alcaraz concluded his year at the 2023 ATP Finals last week, where he fell in straight sets to eventual winner Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. He was making his year-end championships debut, having missed the 2022 edition through injury after qualifying.
The world No 2 has had an excellent 2023 season, winning six ATP titles and posting a 65-12 (84.4%) record. The highlight for the 20-year-old was his five-set victory over Djokovic to claim his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in July.
The Spaniard also won Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Madrid, ATP 500 events in Barcelona and at Queen’s Club, and an ATP 250 in Buenos Aires.
READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz could be back as world No 1 soon and Novak Djokovic may be powerless to stop him
It was not possible! @DjokerNole was better tonight! Thank you for the unconditional support this week! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jR7wxsVlWx
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) November 18, 2023
Speaking on an episode of the Match Point Canada podcast, Macci likened Alcaraz to four tennis greats and hailed the young star’s talent.
“Alcaraz, we’ve never seen anything like this. We’ve never seen it. He is a combination of, I tell everybody, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Agassi, all wrapped in one,” said the American.
“He has make-up speed like no other. Once he hits that other gear his turbo speed is amazing. He has a drop shot from outer space. He has missed more drop shots as a kid than anybody who has played tennis because he has tried more – and whoever coached him as a kid would not discourage that.
“I think, he is going to get such a bucket of Grand Slams, it’s unreal. I feel, in my opinion, he is by far, the leader in the clubhouse.”
Macci has worked with five players who achieved the world No 1 ranking in their careers: Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati and Andy Roddick. The 68-year-old also coached Major champions Mary Pierce, Anastasia Myskina and Sofia Kenin.
In a post on Twitter in September, Macci argued Alcaraz’s defeat at the 2023 US Open will fuel him and suggested he could be dominant at the Grand Slams next year.
“The best thing ever for Carlos Alcaraz was losing in the semis of the US Open. That painful stinging feeling will be a Priceless New York Gold Nugget in his back pocket for life and will IGNITE the Spanish Magician to bust through the Door and maybe grab three Slams in 2024,” he wrote.
Alcaraz, who overcame Casper Ruud to win last year’s US Open, was beaten in four sets by Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals of the 2023 tournament.
READ MORE: Renowned coach identifies toughest Novak Djokovic opponent in interesting claim
