‘It is illusory to think Carlos Alcaraz could make it beyond 20 Grand Slams’, claims legend
Boris Becker believes it is “illusory to think Carlos Alcaraz could make it beyond 20 Grand Slam titles”, but thinks the Spaniard is “a great successor to the ‘Big Three.”
The tennis legend also warned that the young star must be given time to develop so he “doesn’t lose his interest in sport” as he feels he will be important to tennis in the coming years.
The world No 2, who only turned 20 in May, has already won two Grand Slam titles and made a start to his career comparable to that of some all-time tennis greats.
Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud in four sets to win his maiden Major crown at the 2022 US Open and become the youngest player to be ranked ATP world No 1.
The Spanish sensation then overcame Novak Djokovic, a player considered by many to be the tennis ‘GOAT’, in an epic five-set final to win Wimbledon in July.
This remarkable triumph led to debate over whether Alcaraz could chase down the Grand Slam tallies of the legendary trio of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The ‘Big Three’ make up the top three for men’s Major titles won, with Djokovic having secured a record 24, while Nadal and Federer hold 22 and 20 respectively.
Six-time Grand Slam winner Becker admitted it is “almost impossible” for Alcaraz to avoid comparisons with the ‘Big Three’, but urged observers to be patient with the Murcian.
“Please leave the church in the village and give him the time to develop. So that he doesn’t lose his interest in sport, because we still need him for a few years,” expressed the former world No 1 in an interview with Eurosport Germany.
“[It is] illusory to think that Carlos could make it beyond 20 Grand Slam titles. And I am convinced that three players will never again win over 20 Grand Slam competitions at the same time.
“[He is a] fascinating player [and] incredible crowd puller. [The spectators] come to the halls or the large stadiums to watch Carlos play tennis. He is so important for the tennis scene, a great ambassador. A great successor to the ‘Big Three!”
Alcaraz has won six titles during an excellent 2023 season to date and holds a stellar 63-9 (87.5%) record this year.
The 20-year-old has, though, endured a more difficult period following his stunning Wimbledon victory – which was the last tournament he won. Since then, the world No 2 has reached one final in his next five tournaments and suffered a brutal three-set loss to Djokovic in Cincinnati.
The Spaniard withdrew from this week’s Swiss Indoors ATP 500 event due to a left foot injury and muscle fatigue to his lower back. He was downed by Grigor Dimitrov in the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters earlier this month in his most recent appearance.
Alcaraz is next set to appear at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Paris next week, before ending his 2023 campaign at the ATP Finals in Turin, where he will be making his debut.
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