Andy Murray's Carlos Alcaraz prediction proved spot on after John McEnroe claim
Andy Murray backed Carlos Alcaraz to become the best men's tennis player in the world - two years before his Wimbledon exploits.
Alcaraz, who is ranked No.1 in the world, will take on Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final at Wimbledon on Sunday afternoon. It promises to be one of the best finals in living memory, with experts struggling to pick between the newcomer and the champion.
Alcaraz, 20, won last year's US Open and his superb run in SW19 has confirmed his huge potential. Yet two-time Wimbledon champion Murray always knew the Spanish superstar would flourish on the biggest stage after backing him to do so in 2021.
It was a brave call from Murray, as Alcaraz was ranked No.38 in the world at the time and still a year away from winning his maiden Grand Slam title. Tennis legend John McEnroe is also a fan of Alcaraz, calling him the "complete player" earlier this year.
Murray discussed Alcaraz's chances of reaching the top of the world rankings before facing him at Indian Wells in 2021. The veteran Scot defeated the emerging talent but only after losing the first set.
Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear
"He [Alcaraz] already a fantastic player but he's got bags of potential," said Murray, as quoted by The Express. "I think there are a few guys that can obviously get there but just from watching him, I don't see many flaws for a young player.
John McEnroe believes Alcaraz is the "complete player" (Stephane Cardinale/Getty Images)Do you agree with Andy Murray? Let us know in the comments below!
"From what I've seen, he's got all the tools to be at the top of the game very soon. I think physically he's extremely strong and moves great around the court. He obviously plays well on the clay and on the hard courts which isn’t the case for all the young guys.
"He's got a big game and I think he's got a good attitude. I spoke a little bit to his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero about him and he said he's a good worker and he loves tennis and is very humble and stuff but believes in himself a lot.
"I think that from watching him and then chatting to you the guy who's coaching him who obviously has got a lot of experience up at the top of the game. They would be the reasons I think he will be world No.1. There are no guarantees, but I would say he's got the ability potentially to get there."
Alcaraz has now reached the summit and McEnroe, who won the men's singles title three times at Wimbledon, is a big fan. Speaking at the French Open in May, McEnroe said: "The sky seems to be the limit at this point.
"Expectations are so high; you want to temper them and put more pressure on him, but he seems to handle it unbelievably well. At some point, it’s going to hit him, and we just hope he will be ready for it then. Truthfully, I think he is a complete player
"His backhand could be better, and I’m trying to think what else. I’d give [all his attributes] an A or an A+. His backhand would be a B+. That’s not to say it’s bad. I’m not kidding, this is the best I've ever seen a 20-year-old, as complete a player."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
