Tim Henman analyses Carlos Alcaraz’s stunning display as he highlights a key quality

Ewan West
Carlos Alcaraz on court Australian Open
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates at the 2024 Australian Open

Tim Henman has highlighted the variety Carlos Alcaraz possesses in his game and lauded the Spaniard’s ability to utilise his different options after he produced a sublime Australian Open performance.

Laura Robson described Alcaraz’s straight-set victory against Miomir Kecmanovic as a “clinic” and thinks it is “mind-boggling” he can “do everything on court.”

Alcaraz dismantled Kecmanovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Monday to advance to the last eight of the tournament for the first time.

The two-time Grand Slam champion delivered his best display of the tournament so far and produced some devastating winners against the world No 60.

The 20-year-old Spaniard will take on world No 6 Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals after the 26-year-old German overcame Cameron Norrie in a final set tiebreak.

Six-time major semi-finalist Henman identified the fact that Alcaraz’s variety allows him to use different strategies as something that differentiates him from many players.

“He’s got so many options. I think it’s often the case we talk about ‘Plan A’ is not working for a player, what is ‘Plan B’? A lot of times it’s like, well they’ve just gotta do ‘Plan A’ better than they have been, whereas with Alcaraz you just see so many different options,” the former world No 4 outlined.

“He’s so comfortable with his speed and movement at the back of the court. But in the forecourt he’s got great technique at the net, he’s got great feel and really does look like he’s putting on a show out there.

“He’s enjoying himself so much and in those three sets, 43 winners and only 19 unforced errors. Fantastic performance.”

Former world No 27 Robson marvelled at the Spaniard’s attributes and also his ability to enjoy his tennis and entertain the crowd.

“That was a bit of a clinic tonight, it’s hard to believe he can play much better than that. Kecmanovic was looking like he was a step slow, he was looking like a bit of an average player because he just couldn’t compete with Alcaraz’s speed, pace, agility,” the Brit assessed.

“I mean all these things you find slightly mind-boggling. The fact he can do everything on court, and enjoy himself, and get the crowd involved and so much more. It was just phenomenal tonight.”

In his post-match press conference, Alcaraz expressed his satisfaction at reaching the quarter-finals and looked ahead to his clash against Zverev.

“Well, it feels better to make the quarter-final here in Melbourne. It’s really big tournament, an amazing tournament. I’m proud with the level that I am playing,” the world No 2 said.

“So it’s going to be a really tough quarterfinal against Sascha. Hopefully to make the semi-final here, but let’s see how it’s going to be the next match.”

READ MORE: Tennis legend claims Carlos Alcaraz is ‘better’ than Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in key area

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