Carlos Alcaraz is in red-hot form at the French Open, with the Spaniard soaring into the quarter-finals.
The 21-year-old overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime in his latest clash, coming out on top 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in their fourth-round meeting.
It was another straightforward win for the world number three, who will now meet Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals.
Tennis pundit Alex Corretja has recently warned Alcaraz about suffering burnout early in his career, but the youngster will only be thinking about Roland Garros glory at this moment in time.
There is, however, the small matter of a certain Novak Djokovic potentially standing in his way of success at the French Open.
Carlos Alcaraz pinpoints why Novak Djokovic is so strong on clay
The Serbian is also going strong in Paris, having equalled Roger Federer’s tally of 369 wins at Grand Slam events with his latest victory over Lorenzo Musetti.
A force to be reckoned with on all surfaces, Djokovic has now earned praise from Alcaraz for his ability on clay alone.
“Well, he is truly tough on every surface!” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. “But here on clay he puts so much pressure on you on every point.
“In every point, from the first until the last, you have to play long rallies, like seven, eight, nine balls every rally at 100% at your best level.
“For him it’s normal but for most of the players it’s really demanding. Most of the players it’s really difficult to stay at this high a level of tennis. A really high level of intensity, the mental part is really important as well.
“I remember last year I couldn’t finish the match at 100% because in just two sets I was down in intensity, I couldn’t stay at 100% and for him it was normal. I would say that’s the most difficult part of facing Novak on this surface.”
Carlos Alcaraz is heading in the right direction in Paris
On a rare rain-free day at Philippe-Chatrier, Alcaraz swept past Canadian 21st seed Auger-Aliassime in straight sets.
The latter has endured a difficult time of late due to injury, but even if fully fit, it seems that the Spaniard would have still brushed him aside in Paris.
Alcaraz now faces a tricky test with Greek ninth seed Tsitsipas in the last eight as he aims to clinch a third Grand Slam title.
Having won the 2022 US Open and Wimbledon in 2023, the 21-year-old has grand plans when it comes to further major success.
While he will be firmly focused on events in Paris, the Spanish star is aiming to surpass Djokovic’s tally of 24 Grand Slam trophies.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
