Carlos Alcaraz: Why ‘human highlight reel’ is exactly what tennis needs with Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal out

Former NBA player Dominique Wilkins was the original ‘human highlight reel’, nicknamed as such because of his athletic ability and highlight reel dunking skills. He was one of the one of the greatest dunkers in NBA history, a Hall of Famer, and one of the league’s best-ever players.

It might be a little too early to say Carlos Alcaraz will definitely go down as one of the greatest players in tennis history, but he undoubtedly has the same highlight-reel, wow-factor as Wilkins.

There are few others like him right now, and he could be exactly what men’s tennis needs in the post-‘big three’ era.

He’s not Novak Djokovic, he’s not Rafael Nadal and he’s not Roger Federer – and he’s all the more exciting more for being his own player.

Alcaraz can hit incredible winners, he can stretch and slide for unreachable balls like Djokovic, his drop shots are probably unrivalled, and his speed is up there with the best too.

World No. 36 Tallon Griekspoor described him as “unbelievable” ahead of their last-32 meeting at Indian Wells.

“He has basically the whole package. I don’t know what he doesn’t have. He has everything,” added Griekspoor.

“I think the physical part is unbelievable, and I think mentally, for his age, he’s really far [ahead]. I cannot give you one weak point of his game.

“He showed it already for a whole year or two years already, showed the whole world why he’s one of the best players. He’s just a talent. I think it’s not even good to compare people with him because I think he’s just another level. He’s one of those guys.”

One of those guys.

It’s far too early to compare Alcaraz with those guys – Djokovic, Nadal and Federer – but right now, his talent is undeniable.

Over six matches at Indian Wells, Alcaraz was at his electrifying best in the quarter-final win over Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Auger-Aliassime had won all three previous meetings against Alcaraz and threw everything at him in their fourth clash. Both players came up with highlight-reel shots in a high-quality match – but Alcaraz had more. More power in his bruising winners, more variety with his superbly-disguised drop shots, and more athleticism to stretch around the court.

After dragging Sinner out wide with a curling forehand from behind the baseline, Alcaraz spots a chance to come into the net. He makes two volleys before a leaping backhand volley from a Sinner lob. Sinner then slices deep down the line into the corner and Alcaraz produces a topspin lob that Andy Murray would be proud of – clipping the baseline for a winner.

It was perhaps with that point in mind that tennis legend Billie Jean King tweeted afterwards: “Carlos Alcaraz is a genius at playing tennis, and I feel fortunate to be alive to see it. He is a gift to our sport.”

Asked after the semi-final what gives him the most satisfaction about playing tennis, Alcaraz’s answer summed up his star appeal. “I would say when I hit impossible shots, when I go to the net, you know, I make big shots. When I do that on court, I enjoy a lot. Yeah, I make a smile on my face, I’d say that.”

Ahead of the match, Medvedev had praised Alcaraz’s forehand. “Once he hits through the forehand, it’s amazing to watch. I don’t think there is anyone who can hit this strong and also with topspin.” It was the forehand, the drop shots and the serve that took the match out of Medvedev’s hands.

The way Alcaraz has returned to the tour has been remarkable.

He won the Argentina Open, then almost followed up with victory in the Rio Open when he pushed Cameron Norrie to three sets in the final despite an injury. At Indian Wells, he was irresistible.

“His energy is almost contagious. He’s one of my favourite players to watch. Whenever he’s playing, I try to tune in if I’ve got time.”

It’s not just what Alcaraz has won already, it’s the way he is doing it, and no player right now is as electric as Alcaraz.

“He plays tennis the right way,” added Kokkinakis. “He’s always up and about, he’s always smiling.”

It’s been wondered for a few years what men’s tennis would be like without Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Would there be a lull? Would there be a player who bridges over to the next potential great?

It’s looking more and more likely that Alcaraz will be the player to carry the sport when Djokovic and Nadal do retire. Hopefully, that will not be for a few years and Djokovic, Nadal and Alcaraz will face each other in many big finals before Alcaraz and others take over the torch.

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