“I think this year, I’m much better than last year, but I have to find the way to [perform], and deliver good tennis,” Carlos Alcaraz said last month during the ATP Finals, following his loss against Casper Ruud and an early group stage exit. In 2024, the former World No.1 won two successive Grand Slams, the French Open and the Wimbledon. His overall singles record of 54-13 in the season gone by is impressive by all means. But did he really had a great year in 2024 on the court? According to a former American pro, it seems that he did. But how?

The four-time Grand Slam winner mostly had decent, if not outstanding, runs at various ATP events. At the Australian Open, he reached the QF round and then made it to the semis of the Argentina Open. The Spaniard lifted the trophy at the Indian Wells Masters, followed by his two QF runs at the Miami Open and Madrid Open. Undoubtedly, the two epic moments of his 2024 journey were the victories at the Roland Garros and the grass court Major at the All England Club. And who can forget his tremendous effort at the Olympics. In Paris, he entered the historic final before missing out on the Gold medal against Novak Djokovic.

His second and last non-Major title victory came in October, during the China Open. Then at the ATP Finals in Turin, he couldn’t move past the round-robin phase. So, looking at the entire season, one may think that he didn’t win a lot of trophies, barring the two Majors. But did he fail to make an impact overall? Well, absolutely not, according to ex-pro Jack Sock. He believes that claiming back-to-back Slams was a huge accomplishment for Carlos Alcaraz. In an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, dated December 27, the former American player said, “I think on the slam front, I would, I mean, you win two slams. I would probably, I would think, maybe in his mind or in his team’s mind or whatever, maybe some, you know, some results outside of that, maybe a few more losses than he was expecting based, maybe, I would think maybe what they’re and their expectations.”

Per Sock, “having two slams and winning 54 matches in the Indian Wells, Beijing titles” is extremely commendable. And thus, it’s “hard to think that you’d be frustrated about that.” “But I would also think at that level. And like we said, I think they’re probably, they probably wish maybe a few moments throughout the year were a little different, but overall, I mean, very successful year.” he concluded.

Currently, Carlos Alcaraz is No.3 but still, he’s finished this season with an incredible stat. Thanks to his current position, the Spaniard has managed to join an elite list, headed by the Big three of tennis!

Carlos Alcaraz rubs shoulders with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in year-end ATP rankings record

Similar to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, the World No.3 has finished three consecutive years under top 3 in the ATP rankings. For the unversed, he finished his 2022 season as World No.1. Last year, he wrapped up the season as World No.2. In 2024, he lost his top spot, few months back, to arch rival Jannik Sinner. But still, he remained under the top three. As far as the stats are concerned, he’s just the fourth male player in last 2o years to finish three straight years under top 3.

According to some notable tennis figures, he’s already a great talent. Take for example Federer’s former coach Stefan Edberg who has spoken highly of Alcaraz. Per Edberg, young players like the Spaniard, alongside Sinner, are carrying the baton from the Big 3. During an interview with a Serbian news outlet, he said, “It is clear that we already have a new generation, led by Sinner and Alcaraz, who are taking over the baton from Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. They are young, playing at a fascinating level.” He admired Alcaraz’ sheer brilliance, given the fact he’s won four Majors already, being just 21.

“They have already played a number of great matches. The fans like them, their rivalry is very strong and exciting to watch. They have already done a lot of things well so far.” he added while commenting on Alcaraz and Sinner collectively. He emphasized on their growing rivalry as well, that always keeps fans on their toes ahead of their battles.

With 2024 now behind him, it will be intriguing to see if Alcaraz will regain his No.1 spot next season. He would like to make a big impact with the first Major in Down Under. It happens to be the only Grand Slam he’s yet to win. Will he clinch the Australian Open trophy this time?