Mats Wilander believes Carlos Alcaraz will “bounce back” in time to win the French Open title

Carlos Alcaraz suffered back-to-back defeats in the Sunshine Double and has won only one title out of a possible five this season.

Mats Wilander believes Carlos Alcaraz will “bounce back” in time to win the French Open title

Carlos Alcaraz and Mats Wilander (Via X/ATP/CLAY)

In recent weeks, Carlos Alcaraz has failed to reach the expectations set for him. The Spaniard has struggled to play his best tennis and has lost easily to players he was the favorite to defeat. Nevertheless, tennis legend Mats Wilander believes the 21-year-old will bounce back in the clay season and claim the French Open.

Alcaraz succumbed to a disappointing defeat against Jack Draper despite being the favorite to win the title. His hopes ended in the semi-finals after Draper claimed his second win against him in the semi-final of Indian Wells. He then exited the Miami Open in the second round after losing to Belgian David Goffin.

These back-to-back defeats seem as if the World No.3 is struggling with form ahead of the European clay season. Following the Miami Open, he’s expected to play at the Monte Carlo Masters, Barcelona Open, Madrid Open, and Italian Open. With these tournaments, he will be hoping to find his best form.

That is why Mats Wilander believes that the Spaniard still has an opportunity to win the French Open which comes after the. Italian Open. The tennis legend added he won’t be surprised if Alcaraz begins to play his best tennis within two weeks.

He could bounce back within two weeks because of the way he plays tennis. Even though he won the French Open last year, I’m not sure clay is his best surface, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he goes and wins the French Open again and does a repeat because that’s the quality that he brings.

Mats Wilander said via TNT Sports

Alcaraz played only two tournaments in the clay season last year, out of which he won one. He now has the opportunity of winning three to four titles, including the French Open, which he won last year.

Former British No.1 says Carlos Alcaraz needs to work on this part of his game

Carlos Alcaraz only has one title to his name this season from a possible five. The 21-year-old was placed favorite after Jannik Sinner was suspended for three months, but he has failed to use the opportunity to claim more titles. During the aforementioned conversation, British legend Tim Henman revealed that Alcaraz isn’t in a crisis situation but needs to improve on his shot selection.

Carlos Alcaraz (ATP/X)
Carlos Alcaraz (ATP/X)

I definitely don’t see it as a moment of crisis. He’s not playing his best tennis, but it’s all part of the journey of learning and understanding yourself. For me, shot selection is still an area that he can improve on. I think when he improves his shot selection, then he will become more consistent. And he’s one of the best players in the world. So I think he’s capable of winning any tournament that he enters.

Tim Henman said

Alcaraz is known for his aggressive style of play, but it has sometimes cost him on the court. Against David Goffin in Miami, the World No.3 hit 43 unforced errors during his loss in the second round.

Boris Becker says Carlos Alcaraz “plays too many tournaments”

Carlos Alcaraz has begun to take part in more exhibition tournaments than before. However, that has also attracted criticism from legends about focusing on getting more money than winning titles. Boris Becker became the latest legend to slam the youngster. Becker revealed that Alcaraz’s lack of annual planning has led to him playing too many exhibition matches.

Carlos Alcaraz (6)
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Tennis Panorama News)

I was afraid that the Spaniard would simply play too many tournaments and that he would also play exhibitions during the winter break. Then the Exhibition in Vegas [Editor’s note: it was actually in Puerto Rico] ahead of Indian Wells. This is all nice for the wallet, but for the annual planning, the tournament planning, it is bad.

Boris Becker said via Becker-Petkovic podcast

Alcaraz took part in more than two exhibition tournaments after the 2024 season. While other players prioritized rest and vacation with family, the four-time Grand Slam champion still played on the court.