After Carlos Alcaraz won his third Grand Slam title Mats Wilander predicted how many the Spaniard will finish his career with.
At just 21 years of age the tennis star has already claimed three of the four majors and is hungry for more success.
He added to his growing résumé by defeating Alexander Zverev in five sets to triumph in the French capital for the first time.
Alcaraz was in trouble after relinquishing a 5-3 lead in set three to go down two sets to one, but he showed great mental fortitude to turn the match back in his favour and secure a 6-3 2-6 5-7 6-1 6-2 win after four hours and 19 minutes of entertaining action.
How many Grand Slams does Mats Wilander think Carlos Alcaraz can win?
After watching Alcaraz become the first man in the open era to win his first three Grand Slam titles on as many different surfaces, Wilander predicted how many more majors he thinks the player can win.
Furthermore, he was impressed by the new World number two’s ability to find ways to win even when things are not going in his favour.
“Now he is finding ways to win when he is not playing great,” the Swede told Eurosport. “This match for me means that he wins eight or nine majors, for sure.”
Alcaraz’s French Open triumph means he became the first man to win a major after playing a five-set semi-final and final since Roger Federer at the 2017 Australian Open.
Mats Wilander outlines the mistake Alexander Zverev made in the French Open final
Zverev came up short in his quest to win his very first Grand Slam title. Despite taking a two sets to one lead, Alcaraz composed himself and overwhelmed the German with his explosive power, tactical nous and mental strength.
The 27-year-old was left wondering what might have been after losing the intense contest, and Wilander explained why he was defeated.
“I think Zverev became a little bit passive to be honest,” the three-time French Open champion said. I think he allowed Carlitos (Alcaraz) to play his game a little bit too much.
“But at the same time we are looking at a multiple, multiple grand slam champion. This could be the next Novak Djokovic for all we know.”
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