Carlos Alcaraz’s ex-coach weighs in on the evolution of the Spaniard since his early years
Carlos Alcaraz has become one of the best players of his generation, claiming four Grand Slam titles in the space of two years.
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Carlos Alcaraz and Carlos Santos (via X/ATP/Puntodebreak)
Carlos Alcaraz has become one of the best players of his generation. He has established himself in the ATP elites just five years after making his debut at the 2020 Barcelona Open. However, that wouldn’t have been possible if not for his childhood coach, Carlos Santos, who coordinated his growth to the top.
Santos began coaching Alcaraz when he was just 5 years old. He trained and practiced with the Spaniard until he turned 12. The childhood coach was mastermind behind Alcaraz’s growth, teaching him how to hit and move on the court while also building a strong mentality in difficult situations, which allowed him to become a good professional player.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise in the ATP Tour. He first caught the attention of the tennis world when he claimed the prestigious US Open in 2022. He then went on to become the youngest World No.1 in the history of men’s tennis and also, in the following year claimed his maiden Wimbledon Championship.
Santos published a book about his coaching time with Alcaraz titled ALCARAZ: The Forging of a Champion. During an interview, he revealed his time with Alcaraz.
When he was young, his game was already the same. Especially that famous drop shot that we’ve practiced a million times, or the forehand, which was already a cannon. When I see him, I see the same player I had when I was a child, only stronger and bigger. It’s the same magic, the same game, the same chaos sometimes, but always with that ability to do what he wants. His hand has always moved by itself, as if it were a glove.
Carlos Santos said via Puntodebreak
This season, Alcaraz has claimed two titles and reached three finals. He didn’t compete at the Madrid Open due to an injury he sustained at the Barcelona Open. He will be hoping to feature at the Italian Open.
Carlos Santos believes Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner can reach the level of the Big 3
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the leading stars in the ATP. Both players have been more consistent than the rest, and last season, they won two Grand Slam titles each. Also, there have been debates about whether they could reach the heights set by the Big 3, which includes, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. Carlos Santos says they have to set their minds to reach the level of the Big 3.
It will depend on what we talked about before, on ‘his way’. He’ll mature in the coming years; right now, there’s no other player besides Sinner who’s always there, pushing every week. Carlos has magnificent tennis, spectacular potential; if he sets his mind to it and truly has that ambition and motivation, he can achieve it.
Carlos Santos said
Alcaraz has won four Grand Slam titles, while Sinner has won three. Sinner has not featured in any competition since his three-month suspension on February 9. However, he’s expected to return to competitive tennis on May 4.
Carlos Alcaraz likely to compete at the Italian Open in Rome
Carlos Alcaraz has been spotted training on the practice courts ahead of a surprise appearance at the Italian Open. His speedy recovery from injury now has a huge impact on the French Open. The 21-year-old picked up the injury during his loss to Holger Rune at the Barcelona Open final.
He was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open after a scan a few days later. His return to the Italian Open is a big boost as he can look to topple Alexander Zverev and become the World No.2 entering the Roland Garros. If he does get fit ahead for Rome and wins some matches or eventually wins the title, he will overtake the German.
However, the German will not reach the quarter-finals and not be able to defend the title before that can actually be realized. Zverev competed at the Madrid Open but exited in the round of 16 after losing to Francisco Cerundolo.
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