Carlos Alcaraz is on the fast track to superstardom! The 21-year-old has proved his mettle in the tennis arena, especially after his stunning victory at Roland Garros. While the world showered praise on the Spaniard, several dissenting voices emerged, belittling his achievements. In the latest twist, British-Canadian former tennis player, Greg Rusedski, has joined the fray. He attributed much of Alcaraz’s success to a newly implemented rule.

Implemented in mid-2022 ahead of the US Open, the new coaching rule allowed players to have limited communication with their coaches during the match. The coaches can now communicate briefly or through gestures, which according to Rusedski, helped Alcaraz. This rule, however, did not exist before 2022. On the latest episode of the Tennis Channel Inside-In Podcast, Rusedski joined in to share his insights into the victory of Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek at the French Open. Speaking in the same podcast, the tennis commentator accredited much of Alcaraz’s achievement to the coaching rule. 

Speaking at the podcast, Greg opined that the Spanish star started winning Grand Slams after the new law was implemented. “I think the coaching rule as well into effect, let’s not forget he won his first US Open when the coaching rule came into effect in five sets in the finals as well. He was Wimbledon finals in five sets.” He added that the conversations would have helped Carlitos develop new perspectives. “And I think the relationship with Juan Carlos Ferrero allows him to reset.” For the unversed, Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam in the 2022 US Open, and his second at 2023 Wimbledon.

Further in the interview, the 50-year-old claimed that it would be intriguing to see if the Spaniard can continue his exemplary performance without the rule. “It’d be fascinating to see if you weren’t allowed to have those conversations, whether it would be different. Maybe not, but I think that’s something we have to talk about as well.” Well, it is not just Rusedski who has complemented Ferrero’s role in Alcaraz’s performance.

In an interview with L’Equippe, the World No.2 shared that he relies heavily on his coach’s advice in between the match. He revealed that when he faces challenges against his opponents and fails to break them, he turns towards Ferrero for inputs. “Honestly, in the vast majority of cases, I apply what Juan Carlos advises me to do. From outside the court, we can see much better… So I apply.” Alcaraz is often spotted turning to his box, trying to build contact with Ferrero to seek solutions, and this was exactly what Rusedski also pointed out. However, he did not fail to laud Alcaraz’s performance either.

He talked about his continuous upward trajectory, calling it “impressive.” “Incredible performance. Very, very impressive stuff for young men.” He also highlighted the support that Carlos received from the French crowd at Roland Garros. “The French crowd loves him because he doesn’t play percentage tennis sometimes and gets the job done.” Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz has etched his name in another remarkable achievement that even Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal couldn’t achieve at a young age as his. And Nike is here to treat Carlitos!

Carlos Alcaraz to get special treatment from Nike

The rising star of the tennis arena is all set to sign a lucrative deal with the sportswear giant Nike. But what is more intriguing is the luxury that he has been offered by the company. Ahead of his spectacular win at Roland Garros, Alcaraz was handed a new 10-year contract with the company, with his previous deal initially scheduled to end in 2025. However, there has been an addition, per Relevo.

The 21-year-old Alcaraz will now be given his own logo as well by Nike, alongside his £160million($202.52million) deal. But what makes it special is the fact that even Federer and Nadal could not achieve it, this early. The Swiss Maestro had partnered with Nike in 1994 but was only given a logo 13 years later when he was 26. Similarly, Rafa got his own logo at the age of 27, in 2013. It says much for the meteoric rise of Alcaraz that he has been offered the same gesture at just 21!

Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s upward trajectory has continued to rise. With him and Rafa on the same team for the Paris Olympics, it will be fascinating to see if the duo can showcase some sensational gameplay, which the fans await!