“Single most important player we have ever had,” Carlos Alcaraz put ahead of the Big-3 by Mats Wilander

Former World Number 1 Mats Wilander has claimed that Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz could overtake the legacies of the “Big 3” of tennis and become the “the single most important player we have ever had” in the sport. The experienced pundit believes the playing style of the 19-year-old brings about a reaction from the crowd he describes as the most exciting he has seen.

Wilander is enamored with the Spaniard’s style. He called the World No. 1’s US Open to win the most exciting tournament he has seen in his 20+ years of working in the media. He believes that Alcaraz’s range of shots, work ethic, and speed make him compelling to watch. Wilander said,” Here you have a guy who is trying so hard, he is so fast, he is playing with so many different shots, and he’s serving and volleying at 15-30. He’s 19 years old! He’s hitting drop shots at 15-30, he’s 19 years old! Then he dives, and at the end of it, he’s smiling and he’s laughing.”

Wilander has even told Alcaraz’s coach that if his charge keeps winning, he could be up there with the greats. He also noted that Alcaraz’s joy on the court would inspire parents to push their kids to play tennis. The spread of the sport will add to Alcaraz’s legacy.

The words of Mats Wilander will surely be music to Alcaraz’s ears. The Spaniard will do well to take the advice of Wilander. The former Swedish player won his first Grand Slam at a young age himself. However, unfortunately, Alcaraz has lost the opportunity to bring the electric atmosphere to Australia as he was injured in the preseason.

However, the Spaniard will be keen to get back on the court and give his fans more of what he gave them in 2022. Alcaraz broke out last year, producing brilliant performances and attracting packed crowds. The US Open win is the peak of his career, but he will be keen to go far in the other three majors too.

Related: Carlos Alcaraz’s Australian Open withdrawal locks Djokovic, Ruud, and Tsitsipas in race to become World No. 1

John McEnroe warns Carlos Alcaraz of the pitfalls of World No.1 status

Tennis legend John McEnroe has warned Alcaraz about the pressures of achieving the World No. 1 ranking this early in his career. Relating to his own experiences, McEnroe said having a target on his back put him into a different mindset. He said that the challenge of winning the rank back after losing it at 21 was the most fun of his career.

He praised Alcaraz and expects him to have an all-round game. McEnroe also called Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero a godsend for the teenager. He hoped that Alcaraz would continue to have the joy of playing the sport.

McEnroe called Carlos Alcaraz an incredible athlete and one of the most refreshing players he has seen in recent years. Alcaraz will be keen to live up to such praise when he steps on the court the next time.

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