Carlos Alcaraz is on track to break every record in sight, having already established himself as one of the greatest youngsters in tennis history.
However, the trajectory he is on suggests that Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal should fear for their various accolades as well.
With seven Grand Slam titles at the age of just 22, and the career Grand Slam completed in record time, he can now move on with his career free from the burden of chasing such an overwhelming goal.
Andy Roddick has sought to reinforce his greatness by explaining how Carlos Alcaraz has already redefined one area of the sport despite being so young.
Andy Roddick claims Carlos Alcaraz has transformed tennis already
Speaking on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast, he was asked to compare the innovation involved in Alcaraz’s drop shot to Steph Curry’s three-point shot in basketball.
Naturally, focusing on his sport, the American admitted: “The threat of Carlos’s drop shot screws you for when he has to open up his shoulders.
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“Like, they work in lock step. Even when he’s not using it, you still have to account for it.
So it’s completely changed it [tennis].
“It reminds me of the scene in Happy Gilmore. Like, when Happy Gilmore is just hitting bombs, because he’s walking up to the golf ball, and then there’s that cutaway of Shooter McGavin trying it in the woods. That’s like everyone. Like, Sinner’s like, I’m working on my drop shot because of Alcaraz.
“The basis of Carlos’ game is never gonna be just the drop shot. He could probably win a slam without a drop shot. He couldn’t win a slam with only a drop shot.
“Yeah, it’s that copycat effect. I mean, he’s definitely affected change, and there had to be some way to shake up, to set up the forehand when everyone’s big, strong, fast and can move and defend. Right? He kind of figured it out. And now you’re seeing everyone else try to do it.”
This ironically comes just after Alcaraz pointed out a key weakness in his game that he felt his opponents had spotted.
Carlos Alcaraz’s coaching plan already proven correct
Whilst many rushed to slam the Spaniard when Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero split, already that is a decision that has been vindicated.
After all, the seven-time Grand Slam champion has just achieved his ultimate goal of winning the Australian Open and completing his major collection.
Speaking about his current coaching team after winning that title, he honed in on Samu Lopez, who was actually recognised after his win over Djokovic.
Alcaraz admitted: “I think it’s a fantastic initiative because it gives recognition to the champion’s coach; it’s not just the player’s.
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“It’s really beautiful, and when I saw him there, I was so happy because I know Samuel has been working towards this moment his whole life.
“For me, he’s one of the best coaches — if not the best — you can have on a tennis court today.”
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