After a stellar Wimbledon campaign, the stocks of Carlos Alcaraz seem to be dipping. Earlier this year, he defeated Novak Djokovic to claim his maiden Wimbledon title. Subsequently, he also went on to achieve World Number 1 ranking. However, Alcaraz’s form has taken a hit over the past few months. He has failed to dig deep at the tournaments and has suffered disappointing defeats. Recently, Spanish former professional tennis player, Alex Corretja has compared him to the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Ever since his rise at a very young age, the Spanish tennis sensation has often been compared to the Big Three in tennis. While some agree, others don’t. Where does Corretja lie on the hot debate surrounding Carlos Alcaraz at every turn?
Alex Corretja makes a harsh prediction for Carlos Alcaraz
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Earlier this week, Corretja was involved in an interview with Eurosport where he talked about the dip in the form of Alcaraz. Since his landmark Wimbledon win, the 20-year-old hasn’t won a tournament. Additionally, he failed to defend his US Open crown, eventually losing the Number 1 spot to Novak Djokovic.
Talking about Alcaraz’s disappointing past couple of months, Corretja said, “Alcaraz’s Asian tour is not worrying. I don’t give it any importance. Every tournament, every week, every game is a learning experience for Alcaraz, his season is being spectacular. Better almost impossible. Carlos there will come a time when he will have to select tournaments like [Novak] Djokovic.”
Further, comparing him to the Big Three, he went on to add, “We are used to times when [Rafael] Nadal, Djokovic and [Roger] Federer reached the Masters 1000 [events] and won them as if nothing had happened, but it is more normal for him to make a semi-final against Sinner and then be surprised by Dimitrov. Maintaining 100% in the 80 games he plays a year?is?impossible.?
However, such a verdict is hardly surprising. This is not the first time that Corretja has picked a member of the Big Three over Alcaraz. Earlier this year too, he spoke against the Spanish tennis sensation.
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Corretja revealed how Alcaraz would suffer
At this year’s French Open, Alcaraz was up against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Before their match, the former pro tennis player, Corretja, made a bizarre prediction for Alcaraz.
The Spanish former player hedged his bets against his younger compatriot, saying, ?I?m?sure it?s not going to be easy, but everyone is confident with Alcaraz back home; that he can do well and play well, being ready, but he?s going to suffer, because it?s not easy to beat Djokovic in best of five.?
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Bizarre as his claim seemed at the time, Corretja’s predictions ultimately came true as Djokovic sailed past Alcaraz in four sets. History may or may not repeat itself as the season closes out. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will look to get back to winning ways as he aims to finish the 2023 season on a high – and possible reclaim the top spot.
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