Much is expected of Carlos Alcaraz in 2023. The young Spaniard has accomplished memorable feats this year and has shown that he has what it takes to become a champion. The 19-year-old from Murcia won his first Grand Slam by winning the US Open, as well as having won two Masters 1000 (Miami and Madrid) and as many ATP 500 (Rio and Barcelona).
Thanks to the triumph in the Big Apple, ‘Carlitos’ became the youngest number 1 in the history of men’s tennis. Some physical problems slowed Alcaraz’s progress in the last part of the season, forcing him to miss the ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup finals in Malaga.
Juan Carlos Ferrero’s pupil has been training intensely in recent weeks and has decided not to participate in any official tournament before the 2023 Australian Open. The Iberian also wants to break the bank at Melbourne Park, where the big favorite Novak will also be there Djokovic.
In the latest edition of the ‘Control the Controllables’ podcast, former South African player Robbie Koenig commented on the vehement rise of Alcaraz.
Koenig reflects on Alcaraz
“It’s been fascinating to see the emergence of the young guys and the amount of talent that’s out there.
We always worry about who’s going to takeover the mantle from the Big 4. But I like what I’m seeing,” he said. “Going back to the start of the year, I think Novak should’ve been allowed to play. Similarly for the US Open, I wish he would have been able to play there.
I couldn’t imagine anything better than Carlos Alcaraz taking on Novak, two guys who are just the most exquisite of movers. I just want to see the best players being able to compete. That’s what the fans live for — those big heavyweight matchups.
Obviously now with Alcaraz getting to No. 1, the variety that he showed at such a young age is what has struck us all. He’s got so many tools at is disposal but for me, it’s the mental toughness that this guy has. I often use his stats in deciding-set tiebreaks.
I think he’s 11-1 in his career. His clutch factor is right up there, man. Fearless tennis and the ability to produce is exciting all of us. There’s a lot to look forward to,” he added. Eight-time Grand Slam winner Ivan Lendl recently praised Carlos Alcaraz and his team for the incredible 2022 season.
“Alcaraz is pretty good and he’s only going to get better for a while,” he said. “I know Carlos Alcaraz is coached very well. He has a great team around him. Those guys are very good at what they do, the Spaniards.”
