Carlos Alcaraz given daring prediction that may affect Novak Djokovic
One of Serena Williams’ first-ever coaches has tipped Carlos Alcaraz to do one thing “never seen before” in tennis. Rick Macci’s prediction may have an effect on Novak Djokovic if it comes true, because the Serb at present holds data for Major titles and weeks at No 1.
Alcaraz ended Djokovic’s dominance at Wimbledon final month, defeating him within the last to carry the trophy. The world No 2 hadn’t misplaced a match on the match since 2017 and went 10 years undefeated on Centre Court earlier than the 20-year-old’s victory.
And famend tennis coach Macci believes this might simply be the start for the Spaniard, who he backed to do one thing unprecedented if he may keep injury-free. “At the end of the day, I think he can win any tournament that he plays,” the American advised Tennis Infinity.
“But that being said, no one’s going undefeated. No one’s gonna win all the time. He’s gonna lose. Anything’s possible, especially in men’s tennis, because if someone’s serving big and hitting the corners, you get into a tiebreaker, anything’s possible.”
While Macci was real looking, he admitted that he thought Alcaraz may obtain one thing that hadn’t but been seen in tennis. He added: “But he’s the leader in the clubhouse. And barring injury, this guy can go places that maybe we’ve never seen in the game of tennis.”
It may very well be unhealthy news for Djokovic if Alcaraz does fulfil the prediction, because the 36-year-old holds a number of data within the sport. He is probably the most embellished male Grand Slam champion in historical past and shares the general Open Era document with Serena Williams.
He additionally holds probably the most all-time weeks at No 1 with 389. But for Alcaraz to realize one thing new, he’ll probably need to surpass Djokovic. And Macci is aware of a factor or two about nice champions, as he was one of many earliest coaches of Venus and Serena Williams.
The Grand Slam-winning sisters moved to his academy with their household once they have been younger to begin laying the foundations of their careers. They are simply two of the world No 1s he has mentored, additionally working with Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick. And Macci now appears taken by Alcaraz, who’s already the youngest world No 1 in ATP historical past.
“Anything’s possible with this guy,” he continued. “Even I think his best surface might be hard court simply because of his movement. The way he can stop and start, and he can slide, his movement is even better, in my opinion, on hard court. That being said, the serve, even though it’s effective on a hard court, on grass, people can hurt him more.
“You know, you can hurt people more on grass. So the hard court, it’s gonna be a little easier, generally speaking, the return. And I think when he plays on the hard court, from what I’ve seen, he’s a little more authoritative, and he’s a little more aggressive. He’ll take your second serve and come in.”
As effectively as Alcaraz’s recreation, the well-known tennis coach was additionally impressed by his on-court demeanor and praised the 20-year-old’s mother and father for his or her enter. “But more importantly, the guy’s a Broadway performer. You know, he loves the pressure. He loses 20-ball rallies and smiles. He has gratitude. His two best assets, in my opinion, are his mum and dad. You know, the way he’s wired,” he concluded.