Carlos Alcaraz: Former world No 1 serves up ‘scary’ verdict on the Spaniard at Paris Olympics
Former world No 1 Ashleigh Barty has described Carlos Alcaraz’s potential as “scary” as she discussed the Spaniard’s progress at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The three-time Grand Slam winner believes Alcaraz can still improve and learn “so much” despite already being “so complete as an athlete.”
Alcaraz is chasing a gold medal on his debut Olympic campaign in Paris and will face world No 13 Tommy Paul in the singles quarter-finals.
The 21-year-old also partnered his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal in the men’s doubles event, but the Spanish duo’s run ended with a quarter-final defeat to Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram on Wednesday.
The world No 3 is looking to add an Olympic triumph to his victories at the French Open and Wimbledon in what has been a sensational summer. Alcaraz, who holds the record for being the youngest-ever ATP world No 1, is a four-time Grand Slam champion.
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Speaking on Stan Sport, Barty gave her thoughts on Alcaraz’s Olympic campaign so far and discussed the young star’s incredible potential.
“He has got this incredible charisma – he always looks like he is a six-year-old kid out on court having fun,” said the 28-year-old Australian, who retired from tennis in 2022.
“He’s obviously been on this emotional run as well, playing in his first Olympics at Roland Garros where he’s just had so much success.
“He’s been playing with Rafael Nadal and now that they’re no longer in the tournament he’s able to shift his focus completely to singles and just go out there on the singles court and do what he does best.
“What is scary is that he can get so much better. Physically he’s incredible and to be so young and so complete as an athlete is remarkable. His game of tennis is impressive, but there’s so much more for him to learn.
“It’s scary to think he already has four Grand Slam titles and has been No 1 in the world and there’s so much more for him to grow into as a complete player.
“When he figures it out and puts all the pieces of the puzzle together, it’s scary what his potential could be.”
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