High praise for Carlos Alcaraz as Richard Gasquet declares ‘he has the potential to win in a Grand Slam’
Richard Gasquet was on the losing end when Carlos Alcaraz won his maiden ATP Tour singles title and the Frenchman believes the teenager “has everything to have a huge career”.
Aged 18 years, two months and 20 days, Alcaraz became the fifth youngest player to win an ATP trophy on Sunday when he defeated Gasquet 6-2, 6-2 in the Croatia Open final in Umag.
Top 10 youngest ATP Tour title winners: Andy Murray celebrating with a kiss and Lleyton Hewitt quitting school
World No 53 Gasquet believes the young Spaniard has a bright future ahead of him.
“He plays amazing tennis, and he’s only 18 years old,” the veteran told French publication L’Equipe. “He hits hard from both sides, he serves well, he’s quick. He has everything to have a huge career.
“He’ll be top 10 in a year or two, I think, and he has the potential to win in a Grand Slam, that’s for sure.”
Carlos Alcaraz to continue his winning run? Take a punt with Planet Sport Bet.
Alcaraz has been compared with compatriot and 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal, but Gasquet cautioned against this.
“No one can compare with Nadal,” he said. “But Alcaraz plays very fast, very hard, he plays the game of today’s young people, he takes [the ball] early, he hits hard, he has a good technique, he feels the game.
“Where you see it is a future great player is that he can attack as well as defend, and that is the mark of a [Novak] Djokovic, a [Roger] Federer, a [Andy] Murray … He does everything. It is not stereotypical. If he has to go up, he does, for example.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas labelled a dream final
It is almost time to settle the new World No 1.
-
Australian OpenInside story on the technology propelling Stefanos Tsitsipas to the top
Adidas have taken its tennis offering to a new level with the release of their Adizero Cybersonic tennis shoe.
-
NewsAustralian Open day 12 wrap: Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas set popcorn final
Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid won their fourth successive Australian Open title in men’s wheelchair doubles.
-
Australian OpenElena Rybakina made Australian Open favourite despite poor record against Aryna Sabalenka
Elena Rybakina’s experience of winning a Grand Slam gives her the edge.
-
Australian Open2023 Australian Open men’s final info, form, H2H, what they said, preview: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Novak Djokovic
Get all the info ahead of the Australian Open men’s final.
-
Australian OpenWATCH: Emotional Novak Djokovic makes his point at press conference
Novak Djokovic admitted he has been shaken by the storm around his father after pro-Russian flag photo.
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic hopes to draw a line under Russian flag controversy
Novak Djokovic has released a statement clarifying the family position.
-
Australian OpenAryna Sabalenka in control of her own Australian Open destiny: ‘I’m my psychologist’
Aryna Sabalenka will take on Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in the final.
-
Australian OpenNovak Djokovic stays in hunt for La Decima at Australian Open despite meltdown, tantrum, unforced errors galore
Novak Djokovic one Australian Open win away from La Decima.
-
NewsAlfie Hewett and Gordon Reid do it again as they win fourth Australian Open title in a row
The pair were dominant in victory over Dutch duo Maikel Scheffers and Ruben Spaargaren.