Carlos Alcaraz: What Makes Him so Deadly at Such a Young Age

Spanish prodigy is making waves at the ultimate stage of tennis. With future looking bright as ever, let's deep dive into Alcaraz's secret to supremacy.

The tennis world is excited after the recent victories of young phenom Carlos Alcaraz in the prestigious US Open and Wimbledon tournaments.

His first big break came when he was just 18 years old, winning his first major tournament at the US Open. It was a remarkable achievement that few young players could even dream of. However, Alcaraz was just getting started.

The following year, he arrived at Wimbledon, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, and again emerged as the champion. This was a testament to his skill and ability to perform under pressure.

Many people quickly compared him to some of the sport's greats, and it was clear that he was destined for even greater things. Fans worldwide watched in awe as he dominated the competition, consistently outplaying opponents much older and more experienced than himself. The reasons behind the excellence of Carlos Alcaraz are multidimensional.

Determiation 

First of all, Alcaraz has an unrivalled determination to succeed. In the opinion of his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz's commitment to enhancing his abilities separates him from other players. According to Ferrero, Alcaraz practices "with the mentality of a player who is 27, 28, or 29 years old" and constantly strives to improve. Despite his youth, Alcaraz has developed his game quickly because of his training philosophy.

Versatility 

Another characteristic that makes Alcaraz so deadly on the court is his versatility. He is comfortable playing on all surfaces, a rare quality in players his age. In an interview with ESPN, Alcaraz attributed his adaptability to the fact that he started playing tennis at the age of four and has been training on various surfaces since then. His ability to play on clay, complex, and grass courts means that opponents cannot prepare for him in advance, making him a formidable opponent.

Mental strength 

One aspect of Alcaraz's game that cannot be overlooked is his mental fortitude. He has been known to bounce back from setbacks and maintain focus even when things aren't going his way. In his match against Ramos-Vinolas at the Andalucia Open in April 2021, Alcaraz saved a match point to force a decider and eventually won. It takes a certain level of mental strength to perform under pressure, and Alcaraz has shown he has what it takes.

Allround ability 

Furthermore, Alcaraz has a well-rounded game that incorporates both defence and offence. He can hit powerful forehands and backhands, but he also has a solid defensive game that allows him to retrieve difficult shots. This combination of offence and defence makes him a formidable opponent, as he can switch up his game style depending on the situation.

Composure

What is most impressive about Alcaraz's game is his maturity on the court. Despite his young age, he displays a level of composure beyond his years. In an interview with Tennishead, Alcaraz acknowledged that he sometimes feels nervous before big matches, but he has learned to control his emotions and not let them affect his performance. This level-headedness is crucial in tennis, where momentum can shift anytime.