Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Assesses 20YO Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘Pressure’ Handling Abilities as the Spanish Sensation Prepares for the US Open

In a high-octane match, pressure can get the better of you. Talk of tennis, at its best, tests one?s tenacity and ability to handle adversities. So, when the chips are down, the best players raise the bar. There are examples aplenty if we look back to the recent past. Ask Carlos Alcaraz, for starters. The Spaniard held his nerves till the end against Novak Djokovic to win the Wimbledon title. Recently, a stalwart of the game heaped praises on the Spaniard over his zeal to perform.

Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci knows the tricks of the trade. The former coach of Serena Williams has had the experience of being a witness to intense competitiveness. And who better than him to assess Carlos Alcaraz?s rise to the top? It?s the immense thirst to succeed that stands one out in the crowd. And Rick Macci gave a thumbs up to the World No. 1 in this context.

Carlos Alcaraz’s tenacious mindset cuts ice with the legendary coach?

Despite being not at home on grass, Carlos Alcaraz didn?t let that weakness affect his game. The Grand Finale went down to the wire before the Spaniard pulled off an incredible victory, shocking the winner of 23 Grand Slam titles. Walking into the match with the odds against him, Alcaraz didn?t succumb to the towering presence of the Serb and the rest is history.

According to Rick Macci, it?s Alcaraz?s steadfast approach to compete that has worked in his favor. ?Was asked if the pressure will get to @carlosalcaraz. Everybody feels pressure but when your 100% all about performing and you have such a deep thirst for competition the pressure gets to the guy on the other side of the net,? he tweeted.

If one thought the legendary Serb would have it easy against the 20-year-old Spaniard, he was in for a rude shock. After being forced to eat humble pie in the first set, Carlos Alcaraz bounced back to take the second. The contest was engaging and kept fans on tenterhooks. In the fifth and deciding set, the Spaniard held his nerves to make it count and etch his name in history. Of course, the victory was a vindication of Alcaraz’s relentless strive towards perfection.

After the match, the young champion was all praise for his legendary rival

Post-the biggest win in his career, the 20-year-old got over the tense moments. ?It?s great to win but even if I had lost, I would be really proud of myself with this amazing run, making history in this beautiful tournament, playing a final against a legend of our sport,? Alcaraz was quoted by The Guardian.

READ MORE: ?In Sports, We Always Live in the Moment?- Roger Federer?s Former Coach Refuses to Get Carried Away by Carlos Alcaraz Hype as He Points to the Unpredictability of the Future

Sharing his utmost reverence and admiration for Novak Djokovic, he pointed out that locking horns with a legend was incredible. “It?s unbelievable. You inspire me a lot. I started playing tennis watching you,” he said after the match.

There’s not even an iota of doubt that Carlos Alcaraz is drawing the bouquets. Rick Makki is no exception. But can the zestful star persist with his perseverance? Coming up is a test of his doggedness. The challenge of sticking to the momentum will come into play. But when a man, who has trained the best in the world, lauds him, he might just have what it takes to succeed. Do you agree?

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