“Haven’t seen a meteoric rise like this since Rafa” Roger Federer’s former coach praises Carlos Alcaraz


“Haven’t seen a meteoric rise like this since Rafa” Roger Federer’s former coach praises Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz, Paul Annacone

Carlos Alcaraz had stunned the tennis world with his consecutive victories against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the Mutua Madrid Open. He became the first teenager to beat Nadal on clay and the youngest Madrid Open winner in history. Before Alcaraz’s Madrid conquest, he had won the Barcelona Open and entered the ATP top 10 at the age of 18.

Carlos Alcaraz has won two Masters 1000 titles in just a couple of months. He has followed the footsteps of his legendary compatriot, Rafael Nadal, to enter the top 10 with a title victory in Barcelona. Alcaraz has set the tennis world on fire with all these exceptional achievements. Just to put things in perspective, Alcaraz was ranked number 120 in the world in 2021, and he has risen to world number 6 now. He is also in the running to win his first Grand Slam in France.

Alcaraz’s rise has been meteoric, and given his instincts, power, and athleticism on the court, it’s a no-brainer that all of this was coming, but the manner of his rise is breathtaking. These achievements have earned him many fans and he has been lauded by both active and retired giants of the game. Roger Federer’s former coach, Paul Annacone has also joined in the Carlitos chant.

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Paul Annacone believes Carlos Alcaraz is very special.

Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz

Annacone had coached the legendary Roger Federer from 2010 to 2011 and guided Federer to two consecutive year-end championships, a return to the world No. 1 position, and his eighth Wimbledon Championships.

During the ‘Inside-In’ podcast, Annacone talked about Alcaraz’s rise and his chances at the French Open 2022

He said: “Yeah, it’s amazing. We haven’t seen a meteoric rise like this really since Rafa and it’s been so long and we’re not sure if we’d see it again. But this kid is something special. He’s done such an amazing job and you mentioned beating Rafa and Novak back-to-back, that just doesn’t happen. So, he’s comfortable. Can he do it 3 out of the five sets for seven matches? Talent-wise and skill-wise, absolutely.”

He also talked about the bond Alacarz has and the support he gets that keeps him confident and motivated. He said:

“But for the teenager, having never been into that environment before, very challenging. He’s got a great environment with Juan Carlos Ferrero coaching him. They seem to have a terrific bond. But over two weeks at a major, I think it’s kind of a different landscape for him to process but I don’t see any reason why with that level of skill he can’t do it.” 

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