Carlos Alcaraz has already made a name for himself in the ATP record books, having become the first teenager to rise to the World No. 1 spot last year after lifting his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open. Finishing the year as the top-ranked men’s tennis player, ahead of rivals such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz is currently ranked No. 2 and has the potential to regain the top position depending on his performance at the ongoing Madrid Open.
Too Soon for GOAT Debate
Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick believes that including Alcaraz in the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) debate is a bit premature. Roddick feels that it is impossible to predict where the teenager will stand in history at the end of his career, mainly due to the accomplishments of the Big 3 – Nadal, Djokovic, and Roger Federer. He asserted, “It’s not a given to be at his current level for the next 15-20 years. The Big-3 have made the conversation premature for the next decade.”
Alcaraz’s Impressive Skills
Roddick does acknowledge that Alcaraz is the “most complete” tennis player he has seen at the age of 19, opining that he is better than the Big 3 were at the same age. Despite criticism from fans on social media, Roddick has held firm in his viewpoint, stating that Alcaraz does not have any apparent weaknesses yet. He also admitted that Alcaraz’s mental toughness is second to none, hitting back at comments suggesting the Spaniard is not as mentally tough as Nadal.
Madrid Open Semifinals
Carlos Alcaraz is currently in the midst of his title defense at the 2023 Madrid Open, having reached the semifinals where he will take on Borna Coric. Two wins in the next two matches will see Alcaraz complete the Barcelona-Madrid double for the second time in as many years. Meanwhile, Jan-Lennard Struff and Aslan Karatsev will face off in the other semifinal on Friday—a rematch from their qualifying round clash earlier this week, where Karatsev prevailed in straight sets. Struff then entered the main draw as a lucky loser.
