By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday March 23, 2023
Having turned professional in 1984 and spent a life in tennis since, former World No.7 and top-notch coach Paul Annacone is aware of a factor or two about what it takes to succeed as a teen within the sport.
And he thinks Carlos Alcaraz, the present World No.1, is doing it higher than some other participant he can bear in mind.
Annacone advised Chris Clarey of the New York Times that Alcaraz is “the most complete 19-year-old men’s player” he has seen.
And he mentioned that the Spaniard, who enters his Miami Open title protection in his twenty first week at No.1 within the ATP rankings and 13-1 on the season, is extra like Roger Federer than Rafael Nadal.
“I think he’s a lot more like Roger than Rafa,” Annacone advised Clarey. “Because Rafa couldn’t take the ball early like this when he was 19, and Rafa couldn’t come forward like this. Roger could always stay on the baseline and always look like he had time, and that’s how this kid looks.”
Alcaraz is well-known for the completeness of his recreation – his means to play offense and protection, to tread the baseline or assault the online, to hit with super energy or use contact and nuance.
Most youngsters are works in progress, that excel in some facets, however very not often all. Alcaraz, alternatively, can do all of it.
“The interesting thing for me is watching someone who is this athletically talented with his running, jumping, explosiveness and flexibility,” Annacone mentioned, “but also has the hand-eye coordination to be able to take the ball early on the rise, come forward and volley. He also can back up and change pace. He can do everything.”
Source: www.tennisnow.com