Roger Federer’s ex-coach Paul Annacone picks Carlos Alcaraz over Rafael Nadal as the ‘most complete young player’ ever in history, predicts his Grand Slam tally  

Carlos Alcaraz has already won two Grand Slam titles.

Roger Federer’s ex-coach Paul Annacone picks Carlos Alcaraz over Rafael Nadal as the ‘most complete young player’ ever in history, predicts his Grand Slam tally  

Paul Annacone, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via Getty, The Wall Street Journal)

Roger Federer‘s ex-coach Paul Annacone has sung high words of praise for Carlos Alcaraz as the American tennis coach has labeled the Spaniard “the most complete player ever in history”, even ahead of Rafael Nadal who set the precedent for achieving so big at so young and was hailed for his skillset.

Annacone believes that Alcaraz has almost everything required to become a great tennis player. While the American is impressed with the technical skillset of the 20-year-old, Annacone also heaped massive praise on Alcaraz for making the right decisions at the right time and he credits Juan Carlos Ferrero for developing this aspect for the Spaniard.

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Annacone highlighted the aspects where Alcaraz reigns supreme over his opponents. The 60-year-old pointed out how Alcaraz has perfected every skillset from defending to playing long rallies. Annacone sounded mesmerized by the way Alcaraz shows so much maturity at such a young age.

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And he's the most complete young player I've ever seen in my life. That doesn't mean Rafa didn't have more results at his age, but I've never seen anyone at his age that can defend, that can volley, that can stay back & play lateral tennis, that can use drop shots. That can use spins, speeds, and all the different areas. I've never seen it before at someone that age.
Paul Annacone said on Rock n Roll Tennis Podcast.

Paul Annacone predicts the number of Grand Slam titles Carlos Alcaraz will pocket

As a tennis player’s potential and abilities are measured by the number of Grand Slam titles won, Paul Annacone also predicted how many of those will Carlos Alcaraz pocket. Annacone feels that if Alcaraz who has already pocketed two Grand Slam titles, manages to stay fit and healthy, he can reach 20 Grand Slam titles. However, he denied putting a fixed number.

Carlos Alcaraz US Open
Carlos Alcaraz with US Open trophy (Image via Roland Garros)
I think Alcaraz, if he could stay healthy, should be a multiple, multiple Grand Slam winner. Is he going to get 20? I have no idea. I don't even like to guess at stuff like that, but if he stays healthy with his athletic skill set, & from what I've seen
Paul Annacone said.

The American coach also hailed Alcaraz for his decision-making skills in tough situations. Annacone claimed that the Spaniard has done a great job in picking the right set of weapons as per the demand of the situation as it is really tough for someone with so much in the arsenal to pick the right one at the right time.

Annacone rated Alcaraz over any other youngster of the current generation. The American claimed that the 20-year-old Spaniard who is ranked second in the world is right behind Novak Djokovic while enjoying a healthy edge over his other opponents.

Notably, Alcaraz missed out on a chance to finish as the year-end No.1 for a second consecutive year as injuries pegged back the Spaniard. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has already started his preparations for the 2024 season which promises a thrilling season.

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