World Tennis Magazine

Unique Tennis Perspectives

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz Magic Is Real, Emma Navarro Looks Capable

by

BY JAMES BECK

Carlos Alcaraz still has his magic.

And if he maintains it for the next week, he probably will win a second straight Wimbledon title.

Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev are certainly capable of bringing home the big trophy next week, of course, along with the great Novak Djokovic. But can any one of this foursome handle the magical shots that come off of the Alcaraz racket?

THE CROWD CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF ALCARAZ

Alcaraz looks for real with his magical play. One day, the Magic Man could be challenging Djokovic’s Grand Slam records.

The crowds can’t get enough of the Alcaraz smiles. His opponents never seem to get upset by those moments.

Who could get mad about his smiling celebrations? He’s not bragging. He’s just celebrating with the crowd.

WHAT ABOUT EMMA?

And what about Charleston’s Emma Navarro on the women’s side? She dominated a four-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka, in Wimbledon’s second round, then defeated Bad Homburg champion Diana Shnaider to earn a spot in Wimbledon’s round of 16.

If Navarro can take out Coco Gauff in their round of 16 match, Navarro looks capable of winning a major title this early in her career. Just name the surface. Grass, clay or hard courts, Navarro is at home. Just like Alcaraz.

Navarro grew up on her father’s clay courts in Mount Pleasant, S.C., but won a collegiate national singles championship on hard courts.

Don’t rule out Wimbledon’s grass. I was there in 2019 at Junior Wimbledon when Navarro played so spectacular in advancing all the way to the semifinals. She handled the grass on the outside courts like a pro.

A PICTURE OF CONSISTENCY

Navarro’s game is a picture of consistency. The 23-year-old is one of the most consistent players in the women’s game. She plays an almost error-free game, complemented by her movement and athletic play.

And she’s certainly not a pusher. She’s an aggressive, intelligent player.

She looks capable of going all the way in this Grand Slam tournament. She just has to deal with Gauff’s power.

If that’s successful for Navarro, Gauff will commit enough mistakes and unforced errors to allow Emma to have a shot at an upset.

With Iga Swiatek eliminated by unpredictable Yulia Putinseva in the round of 16, and Aryna Sabalenka having to pull out of Wimbledon and Jessica Pegula losing early, the door is wide open for a player as talented as Navarro.

—

James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award  for print media. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

Carlos Alcaraz Still Owns A Magic Racket

by

BY JAMES BECK

The legend of Carlos Alcaraz and his magical racket lives on.

The 21-year-old Spaniard executed one magical shot after another with his racket and legs Sunday morning in the French Open final. That bit of magic spelled defeat for Germany’s Alexander Zverev.

This was a final to remember, one of the great matches of all the Grand Slams. It just wasn’t in the cards for the 26-year-old Zverev to finally win a Grand Slam title.

HE HAD IT, THEN HE DIDN’T

Both players seemed to play a game of “he had it and then he didn’t.”

Alcaraz appeared to have everything under control in the first set, but Zverev rushed through the second set and then made a comeback from 5-2 down in the third set to win five straight games.

Zverev had everything going for him when he started the fourth set with the two-sets-to-one advantage. It appeared that all the 6-6 Zverev had to do was to continue playing his masterful game of big serves and mighty ground strokes.

But Zverev couldn’t get started in the fourth set until he was down 4-0. So much for a smooth and easy ride to a major singles title. By then, the magic of Alcaraz was heating up.

MAGIC OF ALCARAZ HEATING UP

Zverev still had his chances, even when he fell behind 2-1 in the fifth set. He had to feel pretty good about his chances when he took a triple break point lead against Alcaraz’s serve and appeared ready to even the set at 2-2. Even after Carlos came up with a winner to bring the  game score to double break point.

Zverev still was ready to even the entire match.

That’s when everything seemed to go haywire for the German, while all the while, Alcaraz was able to repeatedly come up with his magical shots as the Spaniard made critical shots that looked almost impossible to make.

ALCARAZ HEADED FOR GREATNESS

Everything for Zverev was lost in the magical racket of Alcaraz.

What was then initially called a game-ending Alcaraz double fault and a 2-2 deadlock quicky reversed itself and Alcaraz stayed alive by winning the next three points while taking a 3-1 advantage.

Zverev did get back to a 3-2 deficit and had a break point in the sixth game, but that was it for the hopes of Zverev. The last two games went rather easily in favor of Alcaraz to wrap up a 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 victory for Alcaraz.

That moved the Spaniard to a higher level of success on the ATP Tour. He became the youngest man to win major titles on all of the different surfaces, clay, grass and hard courts.

Carlos Alcaraz and his magical racket appear to be headed for greatness.

—

James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award  for print media. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

Carlos Alcaraz

Is This The Time Alexander Zverev Wins A Grand Slam Title?

by

BY JAMES BECK

Alexander Zverev may finally be ready to win a Grand Slam title. Just maybe.

Carlos Alcaraz produces magic, while Zverev may actually be the strongest hitter in the men’s game right now.

Zverev appears to be as mobile around the court as almost anyone. And he can hit with anyone.

Then, there’s the serve. It was off a bit at the start against Casper Ruud in the French Open semifinals, but the serve took charge of the match to win the last three sets in a 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory.

YES, ZVEREV KNOWS HE CAN WIN THE BIG ONE

Why shouldn’t Zverev think he can win this French Open? After all, the talented German actually owns a 5-4 edge in head-to-head meetings with the 21-year-old Alcaraz.

Zverev has been playing like a wild man recently. He usually serves like no one else with brutal power. And his ground strokes must look like missiles to his opponent, especially the backhand.

He’s more versatile than he looks. And now, like Alcaraz, Zverev has an arsenal of drop shots.

Of course, in the past, there have been times when Zverev couldn’t finish the job. This will be his second Grand Slam final, having lost in the 2020 U.S. Open final to Dominic Thiem.

THE TALL GUY MUST BE PRETTY GOOD ON CLAY

Zverev has reached four consecutive Roland Garros semifinals. So, even at 6-6 tall he must be a pretty good clay courter, even one capable of defeating Alcaraz? Yes.

Alcaraz didn’t pull the rabbit out of his hat against soon to-be No. 1-ranked Jannik Sinner until he was down two sets to one in Friday’s other semifinal.

And then Sinner suddenly went down rather quietly in clutch situations in his 2-6, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 loss to Alcaraz.

TWO LOBS CHANGED THE MATCH

Two consecutive points that Alcaraz won with almost magical lobs appeared to play a major role in the match. Ahead 30-0 in the 10th game of the fourth set and having lost only three points in the set on his serve, Sinner appeared to be ready to even the set at 5-5.

But Sinner misplayed the two Alcaraz lobs and lost both points to put the Spanish star in position to force a fifth set by winning the next two points.

Sinner wasn’t the same after that as he quickly faced a 4-1 deficit in the decisive set.

THE MAGICAL RACKET MAY STILL BELONG TO ALCARAZ

About the same time, Alcaraz seemed to have magic in his racket, repeatedly notching magical winners.

So, Alcaraz is knocking on the door of his third Grand Slam title, and in the process needing only the Australian Open to complete a career Grand Slam at a very young age.

The key might be whether the Spanish star has magic in his racket again.

—

James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award  for print media. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

Alexander Zverev

Carlos Alcaraz Analyzed At Roland Garros By PTR Coach, “Spanish Tennis Secrets” Author Chris Lewit

by

By Chris Lewit

www.ChrisLewit.com

Carlos Alcaraz is playing excellent with a new and improved service technique action that he recently refined with his team. He features a tough to beat combination of power and feel–velocidad y habilidad.  When Alcaraz demonstrates good control of his shots and game, he reduces his errors while still playing aggressively for winners and approaches to the net.

Against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros, Alcaraz served very well and made a number of key moves forward to the net. From the baseline, he showed that his movement and two-handed backhand outmatched Tsitsipas’ movement and one-handed backhand.

Alcaraz has a style that makes both tennis modernists and classicists happy. He will serve and volley at times and demonstrates great feel at the net when moving forward but also displays modern forehand and backhand ATP techniques with power and topspin play from behind the baseline. It’s also exciting to watch him execute his well-disguised drop shot off both wings.

Alcaraz’s ability to move forward and volley during baseline rallies makes him harder to play than the typical Spanish players whom historically have been primarily baseline grinders. Alcaraz is Spanish tennis 2.0. With his all-court game, he is redefining what it means to be a Spanish player right in front of our eyes.

Chris Lewit is a PTR level 2 coach. His Chris Lewit Tennis Academy is based in Manchester, Vermont. He is the author of the book “The Secrets of Spanish Tennis”” for sale and download here https://a.co/d/baWdOHq

Carlos Alcaraz

The Latest Finishes In Grand Slam Tournament History – Djokovic vs. Musetti Added To The List

by

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

Novak Djokovic created more tennis history for himself early Sunday morning at Roland Garros.

His 7-6, 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over Lorenzo Musetti concluded at 3:06 am local time in Paris, the latest finishing match in the history of the French Championships. The French Tennis Federation has staged night matches only since 2021 after the roof on the Chatrier Stadium Court was completed for the 2020 tournament. However, it was decided that only one match be played during the night session, as Chris Clarey wrote in the New York Times in 2022 here https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/01/sports/tennis/french-open-night-matches.html “largely because the French decided to do them their own way by scheduling just one match in that slot instead of two, the usual offering at other Grand Slam events. Guy Forget, the former French Open tournament director who was part of that decision, said it was made ‘so matches would not end at 3 a.m.’” However due to lengthy matches on Chatrier on Saturday, namely Alexander Zverev beating Tallon Griekspoor in four hours, 14 minutes, Grigor Dimitrov having to finish his win over Zizou Bergs under the roof due to rain, but needing five sets to do so, Djokovic and Musetti did not take the court until about 10:30 pm. Not withstanding, Djokovic and Musetti then played for four hours, 29 minutes.

Here’s a look at the latest finishing matches at the other four major championships

Australian Open

2008 – At 4:34 am local time in Melbourne, local favorite Lleyton Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus complete the latest concluded match in the history of major championships and one of the Australian Open’s most extraordinary matches, Hewitt prevailing 3-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-3 in 4 hours, 45 minutes to advance into the fourth round. Hewitt, who calls the victory “one of my best wins mentally, “ leads 5-1 in the fourth set and holds a match point at 5-2, before Baghdatis rallies to extend the match deeper into the early morning hours. Due to a back-log of matches, including top-seed Roger Federer’s 10-8 in the fifth-set third-set survival against Janko Tipsarevic, the match does not start until 11:47 pm the previous day. The previous latest finish of a match was at the 2007 Australian Open, when Italy’s Andreas Seppi defeated American Bobby Reynolds 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-7 (5), 7-6 (3), 6-3 at 3:34 am (play delayed during the day due to excessive heat, causing for the match to start at 11:45 pm local time).

U.S. Open

2022 – Carlos Alcaraz closed out a 6-3, 6-7 (7), 6-7 (0), 7-5, 6-3 win over Jannik Sinner in the second-longest and latest finishing match in U.S. Open history, concluding at 2:50 am. The five hour and 15 minute quarterfinal marathon was 11 minutes shorter than the longest-ever U.S. Open match, Stefan Edberg beating Michael Chang in 5:26 in the U.S. Open semifinals in 1992. Read my story here: https://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/21278

Wimbledon

2012 – Andy Murray beats Marcos Baghdatis 7-5 3-6 7-5 6-1 in the third round of Wimbledon in a match that finishes under the Wimbledon roof at 11:02 pm local time, the latest finish in Wimbledon history – two minutes passed the locally imposed 11 pm deadline for tennis to finish. “I was under the impression I was stopping at 11 regardless of what the score was – even if it was in the middle of a game,” Murray says. “I am obviously glad I managed to get the finish. The atmosphere at the end was excellent.”

Front-Runners For Wimbledon 2024: Picks And Predictions

by

Front-Runners for Wimbledon 2024: Picks and Predictions

The 2024 Wimbledon Championships are just around the corner, and tennis enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the start of the prestigious tournament. The All England Lawn Tennis Club will host the event from July 1 to July 14, 2024. As the players prepare to face off on the iconic grass courts, several top contenders have emerged as front-runners for the coveted title.

Predictions

The competition is fierce in the Wimbledon 2024 Men’s category, with rising star Carlos Alcaraz leading the pack with odds at +175, closely trailed by the seasoned champion Novak Djokovic at +190. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner is also considered a strong contender, with odds of +330, promising an intense showdown on the grass courts of Wimbledon.

The field is equally competitive on the Women’s side, with Aryna Sabalenka emerging as a frontrunner with odds at +300. Following closely behind is the talented Iga Swiatek at +350, with Elena Rybakina not far behind at +500, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament filled with thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes.

Men’s Single Contenders

Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish prodigy, has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with. At just 21 years old, he boasts two Grand Slam titles (the 2022 US Open and the 2023 Wimbledon) and possesses a powerful baseline game with exceptional athleticism. 

His aggressive style, featuring a devastating forehand and incredible court coverage, allows him to turn defense into offense with lightning speed. Having conquered Wimbledon in 2023, his chances on the grass courts remain high.

Novak Djokovic, the undisputed king of grass with a record seven Wimbledon titles, cannot be easily dismissed.  His experience and mental fortitude are unmatched, making him a formidable opponent on any court. However, at 36, questions about his stamina and overall hunger for the sport linger. 

His playing style revolves around an all-court game, featuring a superb return of serve and exceptional tactical awareness. Djokovic’s ability to neutralize his opponent’s strengths and extend rallies has earned him countless victories. While his chances remain good, he must prove he can maintain his peak level throughout the tournament. Recent dips in form, particularly against younger players, raise concerns about his ability to reclaim his Wimbledon throne.

Jannik Sinner, the rising Italian star, is a player to watch. He recently claimed his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open 2024, showcasing his powerful one-handed backhand and a big serve. 

Sinner’s aggressive baseline game, combined with his ability to hit winners off both sides of the court, makes him a threat on any surface. While grass may not be his preferred surface, his recent success and powerful game make him a potential spoiler at Wimbledon.

Amidst the fervor of predictions and analyses, one cannot overlook the thrill of placing strategic bets on the front-runners of the tournament. For those looking place their wagers on the event, utilizing a Fanduel Promo Code can provide enticing opportunities to engage with the action and potentially reap the rewards while backing their favorite players.

Women’s Single Contenders

Aryna Sabalenka, the current Australian Open champion, possesses a powerful and aggressive game. Her booming serve and explosive groundstrokes can overpower opponents. However, her game can also be prone to unforced errors, especially when emotions run high.

Despite this, Sabalenka has improved her mental fortitude, reaching the Wimbledon semifinals in 2021. Her ability to control her powerful game on the faster grass courts will be a key factor in her Wimbledon success.

With her relentless baseline game, Iga Swiatek, the world number one and reigning French Open champion, thrives on clay courts. Swiatek’s powerful topspin forehand and exceptional athleticism allow her to dominate rallies. 

While her success on grass hasn’t been as consistent, she has proven her adaptability by winning the 2022 US Open on hard courts. If Swiatek can adjust her baseline game to the faster surface and improve her volleying skills, she could be a serious threat at Wimbledon.

Elena Rybakina, the defending Wimbledon champion, boasts a big serve and a powerful one-handed backhand. Her aggressive style allows her to take control of matches with her winners.  Having already conquered Wimbledon in 2022, Rybakina has the experience and confidence to thrive on the grass courts.

However, injuries have hampered her consistency throughout 2023. Maintaining her fitness and replicating her 2022 form will be crucial for Rybakina to retain her Wimbledon title.

Final Thoughts

As the anticipation builds for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, the tennis world finds itself on the brink of another thrilling tournament. With contenders like Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek poised for greatness, the stage is set for an electrifying showcase of skill, determination, and sheer passion for the sport. Each player brings unique strengths and challenges to the grass courts of Wimbledon, promising a spectacle of epic proportions.

Marketa Vondrousova

The New Guard: Unveiling The Rising Stars From Tennis And Their Impact On The Sport

by

In collaboration with BettingTips4You.com tennis expert Steve Harrington, we explore the evolving landscape of professional tennis, marked by the emergence of young talents poised to challenge the supremacy of established champions. The dynamic shifts and new rivalries offer a fresh perspective on the sport’s future, making each match an enthralling spectacle of skill and spirit.

Key Trends in Men’s Tennis: A New Era Unfolds The men’s tennis circuit is witnessing a transformative era as young prodigies like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Felix Auger-Aliassime ascend the ranks, reshaping the competitive dynamics. Alcaraz, with his raw power and strategic finesse, has already clinched titles at prestigious tournaments such as the Miami and Madrid Opens, signalling his readiness to dominate. Sinner, transitioning from a skiing prodigy to a tennis sensation, combines a fierce backhand with an unshakeable temperament, carving his path through the rankings. Meanwhile, Auger-Aliassime has been making headlines with his victories across various ATP 500 tournaments, showcasing a game that blends power with precision.

These athletes are not just participants; they are revolutionizing men’s tennis with their youthful vigour and ambitious pursuit of greatness. Their achievements on the court are a prelude to the potential shifts in dominance within the sport, challenging veterans and captivating tennis aficionados worldwide.

Women’s Tennis: Trailblazers Redefining the Game In women’s tennis, figures like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are at the forefront of a revolution. Swiatek, from Poland, has rapidly ascended to the top with multiple Grand Slam titles, including the Roland Garros and the US Open. Her aggressive playstyle and mental fortitude have set her apart as a formidable force on the court. American teen sensation Coco Gauff, on the other hand, burst onto the scene by defeating Venus Williams at Wimbledon at just 15 years old. Gauff continues to impress with her maturity, resilience, and strategic acumen, promising a bright future in the sport.

These young phenoms are not merely participating; they are steering the direction of women’s tennis, infusing it with a new level of intensity and competition that promises to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights.

The Next Wave: Emerging Talents to Watch The tennis world is also keeping an eye on newcomers like Holger Rune, Lorenzo Musetti, and Casper Ruud, who bring unique styles and ambitions to the forefront. Rune, known for his tactical intelligence and on-court agility, has already made significant strides with multiple ATP titles. Musetti, with a flair for dramatic play and a solid baseline game, and Ruud, whose prowess on clay courts is well noted, are both showing signs of future greatness, challenging older players and adding depth to the tournaments.

Challenging the Titans: The Journey to the Top These young talents face the daunting task of overcoming tennis giants such as Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer. The journey is not just about physical skill but also about mental strength and the ability to perform under pressure. The gap in experience is narrow, but it’s filled with opportunities for these rising stars to make their mark and possibly dethrone the kings of the court.

A Global Phenomenon: Tennis’s Expanding Horizon Tennis continues to be a global spectacle, with young players emerging from various countries, diversifying the talent pool, and bringing new strategies and strengths to the game. This global diversity not only enhances the sport’s appeal but also intensifies the competition, making every tournament unpredictable and thrilling.

As we look ahead to 2024, the landscape of tennis is vibrant with the promise of fierce competitions and new legends in the making.

Join us in watching the ascent of these remarkable athletes who are set to captivate and redefine tennis in the years to come. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the sport, the unfolding drama of tennis’s new era is something you wouldn’t want to miss.

Paris 2024: Who Will Win Gold?

by

There’s way more at stake this year outside of the four Grand Slams, with an Olympic Gold up for grabs.

Three years ago in Tokyo, we saw Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic take the prize medals, but it could be a very different event this time out with the event taking place at Roland Garros, a venue all of the biggest stars are familiar with.

The French Open will almost act as a rehearsal and the clay surface could really open it up in terms of which players have the best chance of securing a Gold Medal.

With the Olympics around the corner and the French Open still to come, we thought we’d take a look to see who are the biggest contenders, and determining a champion is more difficult than ever before.

For those who want to place a bet on the winner, you’d perhaps have more chance putting your money on 777 slots and trying to seal a win, it’s that tight. Of course, such is life you might not win at all, and for the likes of Novak Djokovic, who has yet to win Gold, that could be the case for him too.

We take a look at the main contenders for the 2024 Olympics…

Men’s Singles

It’s a good idea to look at the French Open odds to see what may be the case when it comes to Paris 2024 and Carlos Alcaraz, who is excellent on clay and picked up a Wimbledon title last year is looking like the main contender.

He reached the semifinals of the French Open in 2023 and is the favourite with the bookies for the title this year, which would hold him in good stead for the Olympic Gold too.

However, it could also be Novak Djokovic’s last opportunity to claim the Gold. He picked up a bronze in 2008 and it’s the only thing missing from his trophy cabinet, something which Andy Murray, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer all have.

Jannik Sinner is another potential having won the Australian Open earlier this year, while Alexander Zverev has a good chance of retaining, while Daniil Medvedev may also as a neutral athlete.

Women’s Singles

The women’s singles Gold really is up for grabs, but it’s WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek who is leading the way with the bookmakers for the French Open, and will likely do so for the Games. She’s won the French Open three times so will be comfortable on the clay and is certainly the woman to beat.

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka will be competing as a neutral and is some way off Swiatek.

Coco Gauff will be looking to continue her rise to the top, having won the US Open in 2023 and secured a semifinal spot in the 2024 Australian Open. She’s never competed at a Games and the way she steps up could be a good shout for following in Serena Williams’ footsteps, 12 years on after she secured Gold.

“The Olympic Tennis Fact Book: Second Edition” for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for download here https://a.co/d/34aM7hG #Amazon via @Amazon

Carlos Alcaraz Brilliant Again In Indian Wells Repeat Victory

by

In a captivating spectacle that transfixed tennis enthusiasts worldwide, Carlos Alcaraz, the dynamic young prodigy from Spain, etched his name in the annals of sporting history by securing back-to-back Indian Wells titles.

His triumph, achieved in a pulsating final clash against the formidable world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, reaffirmed his burgeoning stature in the tennis world and marked a significant milestone in his meteoric rise to prominence.

A Clash of Titans

The BNP Paribas Open, held annually at the picturesque Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the ATP Tour calendar. If you’re a tennis enthusiast, this is an event that you shouldn’t miss. Its storied history and illustrious roster of past champions add to the event’s allure, drawing top players from across the globe to compete for glory on its hallowed courts.

For Alcaraz, the opportunity to defend his Indian Wells title presented a chance to cement his status as one of tennis’ most exciting prospects and further solidify his burgeoning reputation on the ATP Tour.

The final showdown between Alcaraz and Medvedev promised to be a clash of titans. Both players possess a formidable array of weapons and a steely determination to emerge victorious. As they stepped onto the sun-drenched courts of Indian Wells, anticipation reached a fever pitch, with fans eagerly awaiting the spectacle about unfolding.

From the outset, it was apparent that the match would be a closely contested affair, with neither player willing to concede an inch in their quest for supremacy. Alcaraz, buoyed by the crowd’s support and fueled by a burning desire to defend his title, stormed out of the gates with characteristic aggression, dictating play with his blistering groundstrokes and deft touch at the net. Even the odds in every Sportsbook on the internet are very close to each other, revealing a very equal matchup between the two talented tennis players.

However, Medvedev, the consummate tactician and reigning world No. 1, proved to be a formidable adversary. He matched Alcaraz shot for shot and refused to yield to the young Spaniard’s relentless onslaught. As the match progressed, tensions soared, with each point hotly contested and the outcome hanging in the balance.

In the pivotal moments of the match, Alcaraz showcased nerves of steel and unwavering resolve, summoning his best tennis when it mattered most to seize control of the contest and edge closer to victory. With his lethal forehand firing on all cylinders and his serve proving unbreakable under pressure, the young Spaniard delivered a masterclass in composure and execution, leaving his opponent reeling and the crowd in awe of his precocious talent.

As the final point was played and Alcaraz raised his arms in triumph, a wave of euphoria swept through the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, signaling the culmination of a truly unforgettable chapter in tennis history. With his back-to-back Indian Wells titles, the 20-year-old phenom had not only etched his name alongside the sport’s greatest champions but also laid down a marker for the future, announcing his arrival as a bona fide superstar of the game.

In the aftermath of his historic victory, Alcaraz’s triumph reverberated far beyond the confines of the tennis court, capturing the imagination of fans and pundits alike and sparking widespread celebration in his native Spain and beyond. Social media channels were ablaze with tributes and accolades for the young sensation, with tennis luminaries and celebrities praising his remarkable achievement.

Reflecting on his monumental triumph, Alcaraz thanked his team, family, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his journey. “To win back-to-back titles here at Indian Wells is a dream come true,” remarked the jubilant Spaniard. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete on such a grand stage and to emerge victorious against a player of Daniil’s caliber. This victory means the world to me, and I am determined to continue striving for greatness in the years to come.”

Meanwhile, Medvedev, gracious in defeat, paid tribute to his opponent’s exceptional performance, acknowledging Alcaraz’s extraordinary talent and tenacity on the court. “Carlos played an outstanding match today,” conceded the Russian superstar. “He deserves all the credit for his victory. I gave it my all, but it wasn’t enough to overcome his brilliance. Congratulations to him on a well-deserved win.”

Final Words

As the tennis world reflects on another unforgettable chapter in the storied history of the BNP Paribas Open, Carlos Alcaraz’s triumph stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the sport and the indomitable spirit of its competitors. With his breathtaking display of skill, determination, and poise under pressure, the young Spaniard has captured the hearts of fans worldwide and established himself as a bona fide star on the ATP Tour. As he sets his sights on new challenges and endeavors, one thing is sure: the future of tennis is in skillful hands.

Photo from ‘Miami Open presented by Itaú.’

Is A Happy Carlos Alcaraz Too Good To Be True?

by

:BY JAMES BECK

Carlos Alcaraz has put fun back into professional tennis.

Even the stoic Novak Djokovic has been taken by the fun times. Instead of frowning when Alcaraz comes up with one of his amazing winners, Novak releases a broad smile that turns his bearded face into a fan-winning appeal.

Who would have thought that Novak would become such a fan favorite in his old age as he attracts even Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal fans, and maybe some Alcaraz lovers. That last one may be difficult to believe, considering the almost cult-like following of Alcaraz.

OPPONENTS EVEN JOIN CARLOS’ FUN

It’s the boyish smile that Carlos uses to so easily lure tennis fans into his fan base. Opponents even join the fun when Alcaraz puts on another amazing stunt on the court, or sometimes while sliding to hit a winner off what looked like a sure winner by his opponents.

Even British star Daniel Evans couldn’t ignore the exuberance of Alcaraz in their third-round match at the U.S. Open. Alcaraz comes up with another one of his amazing shots to win a point,  and Evans breaks into an ear-to-ear smile. Everyone is happy.

Yes, Carlos Alcaraz is almost too good to be true.

ALCARAZ FILLS THE GAP LEFT BY FEDERER AND NADAL

Yes, the amazing 20-year-old Spaniard gives tennis the bump it needs in the new generation of players after the Federer, Nadal and Djokovic heydays. Of course, Djokovic is still trying to add to his record-setting number of Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic is still very dangerous. It could be a spectacular final if Novak and Alcaraz could work their way into another Grand Slam final as they did at the French and Wimbledon.

Of course, even after taking much of the fire out of Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the quarterfinals, Alcaraz isn’t home free yet. Not with former champion Daniil Medvedev standing in his path in Friday’s semifinals before a possible showdown with Djokovic.

WHAT ABOUT THE WOMEN’S SIDE OF THINGS?

It’s anyone’s guess which semifinalist will walk off with the women’s crown on Saturday.

The only Grand Slam champion left, Australian Open champ and new world’s No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, is in the bottom half of the draw, and must take on red-hot Madison Keys in Thursday’s semifinals.

Wimbledon titlist Marketa Vondrousova didn’t provide much of a test for 2017 U.S. Open finalist Keys in a 6-4, 6-1 loss in the quarterfinals. As good as Keys has been lately, Sabalenka will be difficult to handle.

That leaves young Coco Gauff or French runner-up Karolina Muchova as the other possible finalist. Sabalenka appears to be too strong and aggressive, not to mention talented, for the other three semifinalists.

Where’s French champion Iga Swiatek or high-ranked Jessica Pegula? Of course, both were wiped out in the round of 16, Pegula by Keys and Swiatek by unpredictable Jelena Ostapenko.

That leaves the gate wide open for Sabalenka’s fourth straight Grand Slam semifinal.

—

James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

———————————————–

Carlos Alcaraz

With Carlos Alcaraz Looking Real For A Change, Jannik Sinner May Be Ready

by

BY JAMES BECK

Carlos Alcaraz appeared to be totally puzzled and out of it in last week’s quarterfinals in Toronto against hard-hitting Tommy Paul.

That’s the first time Alcaraz has looked real in a good while. So, maybe it was just a match the young Italian didn’t prepare for. He looked beatable from the word go against Paul.

It was Paul that looked like the No. 1 player in the world, although the American is far from being a candidate for the top ladder of the men’s tour.

Paul has a one-dimensional game, all power off the ground and from the service line. Too many errors when he’s facing a player capable of taking the No. 1 ranking for himself such as Jannik Sinner.

SINNER EXPOSED PAUL’S GAME

Sinner exposed the now 13th-ranked Paul in the next round in the later stages of both sets, 6-4, 6-4.

Of course, the now sixth-ranked Sinner went on to crush Alex de Minaur by winning eight of the last nine games for a 6-4, 6-1 victory and his first ATP Masters 1000 title. The long-legged Italian seems to be in total control of not just his game, but also his court demeanor and concentration. He appears to have found a new gear in his game.

Sinner’s serves and ground strokes can be lights out. If he can just stay healthy through the U.S. Open, he definitely is capable of shocking the tennis world in New York.

For a player turning just 22 years old on Aug. 16, Sinner is an impressive talent. His ground strokes can be like a bolt of lightning.

THE BIG QUESTION IS NOW ALCARAZ

Surely Alcaraz will get his act back together in New York, whether he fails to win Cincinnati or not.

Sinner is just another point of concern for Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic as the 6-2 Italian breaks into the U.S. Open depth chart along with former champion Daniil Medvedev and fourth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Tsitsipas is the only one of the Big Four who hasn’t won the U.S. Open. But the sometimes hot-headed Greek reportedly has a new girl friend, Paula Badosa, to maybe push him a little extra.

LOOK OUT FOR PEGULA

On the women’s side, Jessica Pegula’s romp through Montreal  also might serve as a warning that the 29-year-old American could be ready to challenge for the top spot in the women’s game.

Pegula’s game can be almost flawless with possibly the best and most consistent ground strokes on the women’s tour. When it came time to get tough against red-hot doubles partner Coco Gauff in the Montreal quarterfinals, Pegula was a picture of consistency to nail down the third set.

The semifinals against top-ranked Iga Swiatek went much the same way in the third set.

Pegula is a strong player with total control of her mind and game. She could be tough to beat in New York.

Pegula limited tall Liudimila Samsonova to just one game in the final, even though the 5-11 Russian had upended the top Russian, now fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina, in the Montreal semifinals.

Now that it’s Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Pegula and Rybakina in that order at the top of the WTA rankings, it will be a wide open race for the U.S. Open crown.

–          –

James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

Jannik Sinner (Photo by Justin Cohen Photography)

Carlos Alcaraz Denies Novak Djokovic’s Further Tennis History Claims In Memorable Wimbledon Final

by

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

In a Wimbledon final that will compared with many of the greatest matches of all-time, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to win his first title at the All England Club and deny Djokovic his opportunity to win an eighth career Wimbledon title and deny him the opportunity to attempt to close out a Grand Slam at the U.S. Open later this summer.

The match lasted four hours and 42 minutes, the second longest Wimbledon final ever, and featured dazzling rallies between two of the most athletic tennis players to ever take to a court.

Wrote Matthew Futterman in the New York Times, “In a startling comeback that rocked the All England Club’s venerable Centre Court, Carlos Alcaraz, the 20-year-old Spanish star who has blitzed the sport in his brief career, pulled off the nearly impossible, beating Novak Djokovic in a Wimbledon final on the grass that the man widely recognized as the greatest ever to play the sport has long treated as his back lawn.”

On the line for Djokovic was, first and foremost, the opportunity to try to achieve the most rare accomplishment in tennis in attempting to close out a Grand Slam. Djokovic had won the Australian and French Open earlier in the year and, as a seven-time champion and four-time defending champion who had not lost on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 10 years, was a big favorite to win again at the All England Club and go into the U.S Open later this summer and try to close out the sweep of all four major events in a calendar year, an achievement only performed by two men, Don Budge in 1938 and Rod Laver in 1962 and 1969. Djokovic had won the first three legs of the Grand Slam in 2019, only to be stopped one match shy of the finish line in a final-round loss in New York to Daniil Medvedev.

Djokovic’s win in Paris at Roland Garros last month cemented his place in tennis history as his record-breaking 23rd major singles title. A win at Wimbledon would have extended his lead over the injured Rafael Nadal, who owns 22 major singles titles, and would have tied Margaret Court with 24 major singles titles on the women’s tour.

Djokovic also was denied his opportunity to join Bjorn Borg and Roger Federer as only the third player in the modern Open Era of tennis (since 1968) to win five straight Wimbledon men’s singles titles. It also would have been his eighth title at the All England Club, which would have tied Federer’s record mark of eight Wimbledon titles.

But for all that was “lost” for Djokovic, Alcaraz affirmed his status as the new star in the world of tennis. Tagged for greatness since he first started playing pro tennis at age 15, he first made noise for future greatness at the U.S. Open last year when he endured through three five-set matches (two finishing deep in the early morning) before persisting in a four-set final against Casper Ruud. After missing the next major at the Australian Open due to injury, Alcaraz was tapped to win the French Open on his favorite surface, clay, but was stopped by Djokovic in the semifinals in a strange match that featured Alcaraz suffering from cramps, due to nerves, in the third set and he wilted quickly into defeat. Beating Djokovic in this important final exorcised the ghosts of that major disappointment and maintained his grip as the world’s No. 1 ranked player. Alcaraz joins Spanish legends Nadal and Manuel Santana as Spanish winners of Wimbledon and at age 20, only can say that Boris Becker, who won titles at age 17 and 18, was a younger champion in the Open Era at the All England Club.