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.
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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.
